abusive

[ uh-byoo-siv ]
See synonyms for abusive on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.

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

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

Origin of abusive

1
From the Late Latin word abūsīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See abuse, -ive

Other 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
  1. characterized by insulting or coarse language

  2. characterized by maltreatment

  1. 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