# abusive

/əbˈjusɪv/ (US) · /ɐbjˈuːsɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abusive
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. cruel or violent behavior

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- She finally decided to leave her abusive partner and start a new life.
- The social worker identified several signs of an abusive environment, noting the child's withdrawal and the parent's aggressive outbursts.

### 2. insulting language

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The referee stopped the game because of the abusive comments from the crowd.
- The politician faced severe criticism after an audio recording surfaced in which he used abusive language toward his staff.

### 3. wrongly used

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The company was sued for its abusive tax practices.
- The court ruled that the monopoly's pricing strategy was abusive and harmful to fair market competition.

## Examples

- He was fired for using abusive language toward his coworkers.
- The charity provides a safe house for people escaping abusive relationships and offers legal support.
- Psychologists distinguish between physically abusive behavior and more subtle forms of emotional manipulation that can be equally damaging to a person's long-term mental health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.