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

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

But Katy Thorne KC, defending, later told the jury Trybus was "never abusive to his wife".

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

MUNICH—Ask a European official who attended this weekend’s Munich Security Conference about the state of the trans-Atlantic relationship, and you’re likely to hear metaphors about dealing with a troubled, possibly abusive, spouse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 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