abusive

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These measures, enacted by more than half the states, shielded children from a discredited and abusive practice that fails to achieve its aims while inflicting serious, lasting psychological harms.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Greenpeace categorically rejects the accusations, denouncing the proceedings as abusive and a means to silence dissent.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

But Katy Thorne KC, defending, later told the jury Trybus was "never abusive to his wife".

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

An important study from Australia found that in the last few decades we have really lowered the threshold to what is labeled harmful, abusive, traumatizing and neglectful behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

The kind of hope that creates a willingness to position oneself in a hopeless place and be a witness, that allows one to believe in a better future, even in the face of abusive power.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson