Added 9 October 2026
abusive
/əˈbjuː.sɪv/ adjective
In Latin: contumēliōsus First recorded: 1530 Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about abusive at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Expressing offensive reproach.
-
Characterized by physical or psychological maltreatment.
abusive punishment
Origin
First attested in the 1530s. From French abusif, from Latin abūsīvus, from abusus + -ivus (“-ive”). Equivalent to abuse + -ive.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)