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abusive

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
a·bu·sive  (-bysv, -zv)
adj.
1. Characterized by improper or wrongful use: abusive utilization of public funds.
2. Using or containing insulting or coarse language: finally reprimanded the abusive colleague.
3. Causing physical injury to another: abusive punishment.
4. Relating to or practicing sexual abuse.
a·busive·ly adv.
a·busive·ness n.
abusive
Adjective
rude or insulting: he was alleged to have used abusive language towards spectators
abusively adv
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.abusiveabusive - expressing offensive reproach
opprobrious, scurrilous
offensive - causing anger or annoyance; "offensive remarks"
2.abusiveabusive - characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment; "abusive punishment"; "argued...that foster homes are abusive"
harmful - causing or capable of causing harm; "too much sun is harmful to the skin"; "harmful effects of smoking"
abusive
adjective 1. violent, wild, rough, cruel, savage, brutal, vicious, destructive, harmful, maddened, hurtful, unrestrained, impetuous, homicidal, intemperate, raging, furious, injurious, maniacal << OPPOSITE kind
adjective 2. insulting, offensive, rude, degrading, scathing, maligning, scolding, affronting, contemptuous, disparaging, castigating, reviling, vilifying, invective, scurrilous, defamatory, insolent, derisive, censorious, slighting, libellous, upbraiding, vituperative, reproachful, slanderous, traducing, opprobrious, calumniating, contumelious << OPPOSITE complimentary
Translations
Spanish abusive [əˈbjuːsɪv] adj → ofensivo
French abusive [əˈbjuːsɪv] abuse adj → grossier/ière, injurieux/euse
German abusive [əˈbjuːsɪv] abuse adj → beleidigend
Italian abusive [əˈbjuːsɪv] adj → ingiurioso/a
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Pittacus was the author of some laws, but never drew up any form of government; one of which was this, that if a drunken man beat any person he should be punished more than if he did it when sober; for as people are more apt to be abusive when drunk than sober, he paid no consideration to the excuse which drunkenness might claim, but regarded only the common benefit.
A Treatise on Government by Aristotle View in context
Croiset remark, the abusive Thersites in the "Aethiopis" is clearly copied from the Thersites of the "Iliad"; in the same poem Antilochus, slain by Memnon and avenged by Achilles, is obviously modelled on Patroclus.
Collection Of Hesiod, Homer and Homerica by Homer View in context
The man, who had clearly been drinking, poured forth some abusive language, but he left off knocking the horses about, and taking the reins, got into his cart; meantime our friend had quietly taken a note-book from his pocket, and looking at the name and address painted on the cart, he wrote something down.
Black Beauty by Sewell, Anna View in context
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