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a·bu·sive
 abusive
- pronunciation:
byu
sihv
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition 1: |
characterized by offensive or unfair language.
The broadcasters censored the abusive comments of the show's guests.- synonyms:
- affronting, contumelious, insulting, offensive
- antonyms:
- complimentary, respectful
- similar words:
- beastly, derogatory, foul, foulmouthed, injurious, insufferable, intolerable, invective, nasty, rough, unbearable
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| definition 2: |
characterized by injurious or offensive treatment.
She left behind her abusive marriage.- synonyms:
- harmful
- antonyms:
- respectful
- similar words:
- harsh, injurious, rough, torturous
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| definition 3: |
improperly or dishonestly used.
It's an abusive procedure that promotes discrimination.- synonyms:
- corrupt, malfeasant
- antonyms:
- proper
- similar words:
- crooked, improper, undue, venal
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| definition 4: |
inclined to treat others with cruelty or disrespect.
She claimed that her mother had been abusive and had caused her mental and physical harm.- antonyms:
- gentle, respectful, tender
- similar words:
- brutal, cruel, oppressive
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| related words: |
brutal, brute, outrageous |
| derivations: |
abusively (adv.), abusiveness (n.) |
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