6 results for: abusive

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

a·bu·sive

Audio Help [uh-byoo-siv] Pronunciation Key

–adjective

1.	using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.

2.	treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, esp. physically: his abusive handling of the horse.

3.	wrongly used; corrupt: an abusive exercise of power.

[Origin: 1575–85; < LL abūsīvus. See abuse, -ive

]

—Related forms

a·bu·sive·ly, adverb

a·bu·sive·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
abusive

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

a·bu·sive Audio Help (ə-byōō'sĭv, -zĭv) Pronunciation Key
adj.

Characterized by improper or wrongful use: abusive utilization of public funds.
Using or containing insulting or coarse language: finally reprimanded the abusive colleague.
Causing physical injury to another: abusive punishment.
Relating to or practicing sexual abuse.

a·bu'sive·ly adv., a·bu'sive·ness n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

abusive
adjective
1.	expressing offensive reproach
2.	characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment; "abusive punishment"; "argued...that foster homes are abusive"

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
aˈbusive [-siv] adjective

using insulting language
Example: He wrote an abusive letter to the manager.

Arabic:	بَذِيء، مُهِين
Chinese (Simplified):	凌辱的
Chinese (Traditional):	淩辱的
Czech:	urážlivý, sprostý
Danish:	fræk; grov; fornærmende
Dutch:	beledigend
Estonian:	solvav
Finnish:	solvaava
French:	injurieux
German:	beleidigend
Greek:	υβριστικός
Hungarian:	gyalázkodó
Icelandic:	svívirðilegur
Indonesian:	menyakiti hati
Italian:	ingiurioso

Japanese:	ののしりの
Korean:	독설의
Latvian:	aizvainojošs; aizskarošs
Lithuanian:	užgaulus
Norwegian:	grov, fornærmende
Polish:	obelżywy
Portuguese (Brazil):	injurioso
Portuguese (Portugal):	insultuoso
Romanian:	injurios
Russian:	оскорбительный
Slovak:	hanlivý
Slovenian:	žaljiv
Spanish:	ofensivo, injurioso, ultrajante
Swedish:	oförskämd, smädlig
Turkish:	hakaret edici, aşağılayıcı, küfürlü

See also: abuse

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This

Main Entry: abu·sive
Pronunciation: &-'byü-siv, -ziv
Function: adjective
1 : characterized by wrong or improper use or action <abusive tax shelters>
2 : inflicting verbal or physical abuse <abusive parents> —abu·sive·ly adverb

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