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.

A spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal earlier this year that the company “always explicitly opposed any form of illegal or abusive conduct” on its network.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Mrs. Merritt was convinced that the Mosses had been abusive, but the foster care supervisor said the Mosses were model foster parents who even taught the training classes for other foster parents.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter