abu·sive 
/əˈbju:sɪv/ adjective
/əˈbju:sɪv/ adjective [more abusive; most abusive] 1 : using harsh and insulting language
▪ He spoke to her in an abusive manner. = He was abusive when he spoke to her. ▪ abusive language ▪ The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. ▪ a verbally abusive fan 2 : using or involving physical violence or emotional cruelty
▪ an abusive parent ▪ protecting wives from abusive husbands ▪ people in abusive relationships
▪ He spoke to her in an abusive manner. = He was abusive when he spoke to her. ▪ abusive language ▪ The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee. ▪ a verbally abusive fan
▪ an abusive parent ▪ protecting wives from abusive husbands ▪ people in abusive relationships
— abu·sive·ly adverb
▪ The boss treated the staff abusively.
▪ The boss treated the staff abusively.
— abu·sive·ness noun [noncount]
