The meaning of ABUSIVE is using harsh, insulting language. How to use abusive in a sentence.

ABUSIVE meaning: 1. using rude and offensive words: 2. using physical violence or emotional cruelty: 3. using rude…. Learn more.

1. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language. 2. treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, esp. physically: his abusive treatment of the horse. 3. wrongly used; corrupt: …

Definition of abusive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Someone who is abusive behaves in a cruel and violent way towards other people. He became violent and abusive toward Ben's mother. One in eight women lives in an abusive relationship. ...her cruel …

a•bu•sive (ə byo̅o̅′ siv), adj. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks. treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, esp. physically: his …

Aug 28, 2025 · abusive (comparative more abusive, superlative most abusive) Prone to treat someone badly by coarse, insulting words or other maltreatment; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective abusive, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Abusive definition: using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language.. See examples of ABUSIVE used in a sentence.

Someone who has been in an abusive relationship may take years to recover from the experience. Employee complaints of a boss's abusive language led to an internal investigation. The lawyer …