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

The parents weren’t found to be abusive, and their daughter was eventually returned.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Greenpeace categorically rejects the accusations, denouncing the proceedings as abusive and a means to silence dissent.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 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

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