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

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said police had made 12 arrests, "including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour".

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

The parents weren’t found to be abusive, and their daughter was eventually returned.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The rule states that there should be no behaviour that is "improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent, insulting or provocative".

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

In recent times his annoyance with the absurd obesity that prevented him from tying his shoes and his abusive satisfaction with all manner of appetites had begun to sour his character.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez