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

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

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

MUNICH—Ask a European official who attended this weekend’s Munich Security Conference about the state of the trans-Atlantic relationship, and you’re likely to hear metaphors about dealing with a troubled, possibly abusive, spouse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

You can't effectively fight abusive power, poverty, inequality, illness, oppression, or injustice and not be broken by it.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson