abusive (B1)
adjective
Pronunciation: /əˈbjuːsɪv/
Definition
Using or showing cruel and violent behavior, language, or treatment.
Examples
He was accused of making abusive phone calls to his ex-wife.
The company was criticized for its abusive employment practices.
She left the relationship to escape his abusive behavior.
How to Use abusive
- abusive to (prepositional phrase)
- Behaving in a cruel or violent way towards someone. — "He was abusive to his employees."
- abusive language (collocation)
- Words that are insulting, offensive, or harmful. — "The referee warned the player about his abusive language."
- abusive relationship (collocation)
- A relationship characterized by cruelty, control, or violence. — "She finally found the strength to leave the abusive relationship."
Synonyms of abusive
Words with a similar meaning to abusive:
Antonyms of abusive
Words with the opposite meaning to abusive:
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