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abusive

[əˈbjuːsɪv]

abusive Definition

  • 1involving or characterized by physical, verbal, or emotional mistreatment or harm to others
  • 2using or involving harmful language or behavior towards someone

Using abusive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abusive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He was abusive towards his wife and children.

  • Example

    The coach was fired for being verbally abusive to his players.

  • Example

    She left the relationship because of his abusive behavior.

  • Example

    The comments he made were abusive and hurtful.

abusive Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with abusive

  • using words to harm or control someone

    Example

    She was in a verbally abusive relationship for years before she finally left.

  • using emotions to harm or control someone

    Example

    Her boss was emotionally abusive, constantly belittling her and making her feel inadequate.

  • using physical force to harm or control someone

    Example

    He was arrested for physically abusive behavior towards his partner.

Origins of abusive

from Latin 'abusivus', from 'abuti' meaning 'misuse'

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Summary: abusive in Brief

The term 'abusive' [əˈbjuːsɪv] refers to behavior that is harmful, insulting, or offensive towards others. It can be physical, verbal, or emotional, as in 'He was abusive towards his wife and children.' Phrases like 'verbally abusive' and 'emotionally abusive' specify the type of abuse. 'Abusive' has formal synonyms like 'harmful' and 'insulting,' and informal synonyms like 'mean' and 'nasty.'

How do native speakers use this expression?