Definition

Describing behavior that is harmful, cruel, or insulting to others, often involving mistreatment or violence.

Example

The abusive behavior of the coach led to several complaints from parents.

Conversation

I heard that he was really abusive in his previous job.

That's terrible! People shouldn't have to deal with that.

Yeah, it's surprising how often that behavior goes unchecked.

Absolutely, workplaces need to do more to protect their employees.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abusive → It is formed from "abuse" (from Latin "abusus", meaning misuse or wrong use) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "abusive" describes something that has the nature of misuse or mistreatment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'abuse' as a wrong use of something, and the '-ive' means it has that nature — so 'abusive' refers to something that mistreats or misuses.

Visually Confused Words