abusive
[ uh-byoo-siv ]
adjective
using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.
treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, especially physically: his abusive handling of the horse.
wrongly used; corrupt: an abusive exercise of power.
Origin of abusive
1Other words from abusive
- a·bu·sive·ly, adverb
- a·bu·sive·ness, noun
- non·a·bu·sive, adjective
- non·a·bu·sive·ly, adverb
- non·a·bu·sive·ness, noun
- o·ver·a·bu·sive, adjective
- o·ver·a·bu·sive·ly, adverb
- o·ver·a·bu·sive·ness, noun
- un·a·bu·sive, adjective
- un·a·bu·sive·ly, adverb
- un·a·bu·sive·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for abusive
abusive
/ (əˈbjuːsɪv) /
adjective
characterized by insulting or coarse language
characterized by maltreatment
incorrectly used; corrupt
Derived forms of abusive
- abusively, adverb
- abusiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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