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 and abusive husband.
2. adjective
Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.
He was alleged to have used abusive language.
Synonyms: insulting, offensive, rude, degrading More Synonyms of abusive
More Synonyms of abusive
abusive in British English
(əˈbjuːsɪv)
adjective
1.
characterized by insulting or coarse language
2.
characterized by maltreatment
3.
incorrectly used; corrupt
Derived forms
abusively (aˈbusively)
adverb
abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)
noun
abusive in American English
(əˈbjusɪv; also, əˈbjuzɪv)
adjective
1.
involving or characterized by abuse or misuse; abusing; mistreating
2.
coarse and insulting in language; scurrilous; harshly scolding
Derived forms
abusively (aˈbusively)
adverb
abusiveness (aˈbusiveness)
noun
Word origin
Fr abusif < L abusivus < abusus: see abuse
Examples of 'abusive' in a sentence
abusive
Your lover will find it tough getting away from her abusive husband who may react badly.
The Sun (2017)
The guest became extremely abusive towards the staff member and so the duty manager agreed to escort them to the room.
The Sun (2016)
If all such behaviour is considered abusive, there might hardly be anyone left who isn't judged guilty.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I am 21 and have had low self-esteem since being in an abusive relationship.
The Sun (2016)
The latter was dismissed for foul and abusive language after the final whistle.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The government has also pledged to build more sheltered housing for women who are fleeing abusive relationships.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He was also an abusive alcoholic and her mother was on the receiving end.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The charge alleges he failed to leave the field promptly and used abusive language to match officials.
The Sun (2006)
None of this is an argument for staying in unhappy or abusive relationships.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
As she became abusive and an alcoholic it was a miserable childhood.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
She can leave an abusive or useless husband.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Officials say it is because team members have used foul and abusive language during matches.
The Sun (2008)
It was the end of a mentally abusive relationship.
The Sun (2014)
But why does she choose to stay with him when their relationship seems positively abusive?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
His father was an abusive alcoholic.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The show was pulled off air after a mother of five appeared to complain about being forced to marry an abusive husband.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Although he denied the allegation, he was abusive and extremely angry.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Violence, abusive behaviour and stealing from the family home are unacceptable.
Cohen, Julian & Kay, James Taking Drugs Seriously (1994)
My ex is a lazy, abusive alcoholic.
The Sun (2015)
She does strange things, talks to herself and has become abusive to her husband.
The Sun (2014)
Don't blame yourself but be glad this cruel and abusive man is now out of your life.
The Sun (2013)
He thought they should and he was extremely abusive, threw me against a wall in the voting lobby.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
THE only way to punish and stop footballers using abusive language is for their clubs to suspend them and stop their wages.
The Sun (2012)
She is in an extremely abusive relationship and was recently hospitalised, but shehas returned to the relationship and is ignoring all attempts at contact.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
abusive
British English: abusive /əˈbjuːsɪv/ ADJECTIVE
Abusive language is extremely rude and insulting.
He is accused of using abusive language towards staff.