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Definitions

abusive

[uh-byoo-siv] / əˈbju sɪv /


Example Sentences

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“We were not using abusive language; we were using criticizing language,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 30, 2026

The movie “9 to 5” from 1980 settled her broadening stardom; acting alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in a comedy about three office workers who get even with an abusive boss, Parton charmed viewers.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 25, 2026

It’s hard to find any modern examples of the corporate death penalty, but that doesn’t mean critics of abusive business haven’t attempted to invoke it.

From Salon Aug. 19, 2026

In fairness, it’s journalists’ job to record how the president answers questions, no matter how lie-filled or abusive the answers.

From Slate Aug. 18, 2026

Fear and anger can make us vindictive and abusive, unjust and unfair, until we all suffer from the absence of mercy and we condemn ourselves as much as we victimize others.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson




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