# cussing

/ˈkəsɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈʌsɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cussing
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to say rude or offensive words when you are angry, hurt, or upset. You use this when someone swears or uses bad language.

For teachers: to utter profane, obscene, or blasphemous words; to swear or curse, especially when angry, hurt, or frustrated.

## Examples

- He is cussing loudly after hitting his thumb.
- The driver kept cussing at the traffic while the kids pretended not to hear him.
- Exhausted and soaked from the storm, the sailor stood on the dock cussing the broken engine that had left him adrift for hours.

## Synonyms

swear, curse, cuss

## Usage notes

- The verb is usually intransitive; it can take a direct object when the abuse is directed at someone.

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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.