abusive

Adjective
Synonyms: opprobriousscurrilous

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (2)

  1. expressing offensive reproachSynonyms: opprobriousscurrilous
  2. characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment“abusive punishment”“argued...that foster homes are abusive”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Abusive \A*bu"sive\, a. [Cf. F. abusif, fr. L. abusivus.]

1.Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied. [1913 Webster]

I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof.— Fuller.[1913 Webster]

2.Given to misusing; also, full of abuses. [Archaic] "The abusive prerogatives of his see." --Hallam. [1913 Webster]

3.Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage; as, an abusive author; an abusive fellow. [1913 Webster]

4.Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous. "An abusive lampoon." --Johnson. [1913 Webster]

5.Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating. [Obs.] "An abusive treaty." --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling. [1913 Webster]

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