abusive

[ uh-byoo-siv ]
/ əˈbyu sɪv /

adjective

using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.
treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, especially physically: his abusive handling of the horse.
wrongly used; corrupt: an abusive exercise of power.

Origin of abusive

From the Late Latin word abūsīvus, dating back to 1575–85. See abuse, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM abusive

Words nearby abusive

Example sentences from the Web for abusively

British Dictionary definitions for abusively

abusive
/ (əˈbjuːsɪv) /

adjective

characterized by insulting or coarse language
characterized by maltreatment
incorrectly used; corrupt

Derived forms of abusive

abusively, adverb abusiveness, noun