abusive
Translation
abusive
Examples
She left her abusive partner.
She left her abusive partner.
He used abusive language towards the referee.
He used abusive language towards the referee.
Grammar Patterns
((abusive)) ((noun)) characterized by abuse She was in an abusive relationship.
to be ((abusive)) to/towards ((sb.)) to treat (sb.) in a cruel or violent way He was abusive towards his children.
Similar Words
Synonyms: cruel, insulting, offensive; Antonyms: kind, respectful
Etymology
From the noun 'abuse' plus the adjectival suffix '-ive'. 'Abuse' comes from Latin 'ab-' (away, wrong) + 'uti' (to use).
Memory Tips
The suffix '-ive' means 'having the quality of'. So, 'abusive' means having the quality of abuse.