abusive

/əˈbjuːsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /əˈbjuːsɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ə-ˈbyü-siv also -ziv/ (ame, mw)

abusive — adjective

1. speaking or writing in a way that attacks someone with insulting, angry language

1.形容詞C2
釋義

speaking or writing in a way that attacks someone with insulting, angry language.

例句

The customer became abusive when the cashier refused his expired coupon.

predicative use: become abusive

Abusive messages filled Nora's phone after the team lost the final.

abusive + messages/comments/remarks

同義詞
  • insulting

    focuses on words that hurt someone's dignity

  • offensive

    broader; can describe language or anything that shocks or upsets

  • rude

    milder; not all rude speech is strongly abusive

  • aggressive

    stresses forceful attack, often in tone or manner

反義詞
  • polite

    shows respect in words and manner

  • respectful

    careful not to insult or speak down to others

用法筆記

Usually modifies nouns such as language, comments, messages, remarks, or tone. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 focuses on the words themselves, even if there is no physical violence or controlling behaviour.

常見錯誤

❌My boss was abusive about the delay.
✅My boss was abusive to me about the delay.
💡with a person, add who received the verbal attack; otherwise use a noun like 'abusive language'.
❌The poster was abusive.
✅The poster was offensive.
💡'abusive' usually describes insulting words directed at someone, not any object that people dislike.

2. hurting someone through violence, threats, or repeated cruel treatment, especial

2.形容詞C1
釋義

hurting someone through violence, threats, or repeated cruel treatment, especially in a family or close relationship.

例句

Police removed the children from an abusive home that night.

collocation: abusive home/relationship/partner

Lena left her abusive husband after years of fear and control.

同義詞
  • violent

    stresses physical force; abusive can also include emotional harm

  • cruel

    focuses on causing pain without kindness, whether physical or emotional

  • bullying

    emphasises intimidation, often where one side has more power

  • controlling

    focuses on limiting another person's choices; often one part of abusive behaviour

反義詞
  • caring

    showing kindness and protection

  • supportive

    giving help instead of fear or harm

用法筆記

Often used for partners, parents, homes, or behaviour repeated over time, not for one rude moment. Distinguish from sense 1: someone can be abusive in sense 2 through threats, control, or violence even without shouting insults.

常見錯誤

❌One angry text made the friendship abusive.
✅His repeated threats made the friendship abusive.
💡this sense usually suggests a pattern of cruelty, control, or violence, not one isolated message.
❌The referee was abusive because he gave us a red card.
✅The referee was unfair because he gave us a red card.
💡'abusive' here is too strong unless there is violence, threats, or serious cruel treatment.

3. describing actions or systems that misuse authority, access, or information for

3.形容詞C2
釋義

describing actions or systems that misuse authority, access, or information for unfair advantage or personal gain.

例句

The report described abusive police tactics during the street protest.

abusive + tactics/practices/use

Night nurses reported abusive scheduling practices after four double shifts in one week.

同義詞
  • improper

    broad and fairly neutral; simply not right by rule or standard

  • unlawful

    stresses that the act breaks the law

  • exploitative

    focuses on taking unfair advantage of people or a situation

  • corrupt

    stronger; often suggests dishonest personal gain in public office or business

反義詞
  • proper

    done in the correct or accepted way

  • fair

    not giving one side an unfair advantage

用法筆記

Usually modifies nouns like use, practices, tactics, or powers, especially in legal, political, workplace, or technology contexts. Distinguish from sense 2: the harm here comes from misused authority or systems, not mainly from personal cruelty inside a relationship.

常見錯誤

❌The app was abusive because it crashed twice.
✅The company made abusive use of the app by tracking workers after hours.
💡this sense is about wrongful use of power or tools, not ordinary poor quality.
❌Her exam answer was abusive.
✅Her use of insider information was abusive.
💡the word describes misuse of authority, access, or knowledge, not simply a bad action in general.