abusive
abu·sive
adj \ə-ˈbyü-siv also -ziv\Definition of ABUSIVE
1
: characterized by wrong or improper use or action; especially : corrupt <abusive financial practices>
2
a : using harsh insulting language <an angry and abusive crowd> b : characterized by or serving for abuse <abusive language> c : physically injurious <abusive behavior>
— abu·sive·ly adverb
— abu·sive·ness noun
See Examples of ABUSIVE
- The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.
- protecting wives from abusive husbands
First Known Use of ABUSIVE
1583
Related to ABUSIVE
Synonyms: contumelious, invective, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
Related Words: affronting, insulting, offending, offensive, outrageous, outraging; coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, foulmouthed, gross, indecent, nasty, obscene, potty-mouthed, vulgar; contemptuous, disdainful, scornful; defamatory, libelous (or libellous), scandalous, slanderous; maligning, traducing, vilifying; hateful, malevolent, malicious, spiteful; immoderate, intemperate, unbridled, unrestrained
Rhymes with ABUSIVE
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