American English
/əbˈju.sɪv/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Treating someone in a cruel or violent way, especially someone you have a close relationship with.
Practice out loudTreating someone in a cruel or violent way, especially someone you have a close relationship with.
She left her abusive partner.
He was abusive toward his children.
abusive relationship · abusive partner · abusive behavior
be abusive toward someone
an abusive partner/parent
Using rude, insulting, or threatening words.
The caller became abusive when I refused to help.
The website does not allow abusive comments.
verbally abusive · abusive language · abusive comments
be verbally abusive toward someone
abusive language
a relationship in which one person repeatedly harms or controls the other
She found help after years in an abusive relationship.
using cruel, insulting, or threatening words
The customer became verbally abusive.