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

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