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REFERENCE

abusive

adj.
US //əbˈjusɪv// UK //ɐbjˈuːsɪv// abu·sive
  1. 1 cruel or violent behavior (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    using violence or cruel treatment against someone, often someone you live with or care for.

    characterized by physical violence or emotional maltreatment, typically within a relationship or household.

    Example

    She finally decided to leave her abusive partner and start a new life.

    Example

    The social worker identified several signs of an abusive environment, noting the child's withdrawal and the parent's aggressive outbursts.
  2. 2 insulting language (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    using rude, angry, or insulting words to attack someone.

    characterized by coarse, insulting, or vituperative language intended to demean or offend.

    Example

    The referee stopped the game because of the abusive comments from the crowd.

    Example

    The politician faced severe criticism after an audio recording surfaced in which he used abusive language toward his staff.
  3. 3 wrongly used (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    used in a way that is wrong, unfair, or illegal.

    pertaining to the misuse or misapplication of power, systems, or language.

    Example

    The company was sued for its abusive tax practices.

    Example

    The court ruled that the monopoly's pricing strategy was abusive and harmful to fair market competition.
Origin

First attested in the 1530s. From French abusif, from Latin abūsīvus, from abusus + -ivus (“-ive”). Equivalent to abuse + -ive.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Last updated June 20, 2026