Abusive Meaning
/əˈbjuː.sɪv/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjProne to treat someone badly by coarse, insulting words or other maltreatment; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.
adjTending to deceive; fraudulent.
Sentence Examples
I had never received such an abusive letter before.
They used abusive language to her.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher was fired after complaints about his ____ language and threatening behavior toward students.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The coach was fired after making ____ remarks to the players.
Word Origin & History
First attested in the 1530s. From French abusif, from Latin abūsīvus, from abusus + -ivus (“-ive”). Equivalent to abuse + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""Zero Tolerance. Aggressive and abusive behavior will not be tolerated. Our team are here to help, not hurt," the signs read."
— 2020 March 17, Freya Noble, “'Our team are here to help, not hurt': Woolworths urge customers not to abuse staff”, in Nine News, archived from the original on 16 Apr 2023:
"an abusive treaty"
— a. 1627 (date written), Francis [Bacon], “Considerations Touching a Warre with Spaine. […]”, in William Rawley, editor, Certaine Miscellany Works of the Right Honourable Francis Lo. Verulam, Viscount S. Alban. […], London: […] I. Hauiland for Humphrey Robinson, […], published 1629, →OCLC:
"[…] to begin in this vacation the foundation of a trifling subject which might shroud in his leaves the abusive enormities of these our times."
— 1589, Thomas Nashe, The Anatomy of Absurdity:
"the abusive prerogatives of his see"
— 1837, Henry Hallam, Introduction to the Literature of Europe:
"I am […]necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof."
— 1662, Thomas Fuller, Worthies of England:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher was fired after complaints about his ____ language and threatening behavior toward students.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The coach was fired after making ____ remarks to the players.