abusive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite expressing offensive reproach
    opprobrious; scurrilous.
  2. adjective satellite characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment
    • abusive punishment
    • argued...that foster homes are abusive

WordNet

A*bu"sive adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. abusif, fr. L. abusivus.
Definitions
  1. Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied.
    I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof. Fuller.
  2. Given to misusing; also, full of abuses. Archaic "The abusive prerogatives of his see." Hallam.
  3. Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage; as, an abusive author; an abusive fellow.
  4. Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous. "An abusive lampoon." Johnson.
  5. Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating. Obs. "An abusive treaty." Bacon. Syn. -- Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling.

Webster 1913