abusive
UK: əˈbjuːsɪv | US: əˈbjuːsɪv
adj. using harsh or insulting language
adj. involving physical or emotional harm
adj. wrongly using power or authority
abusive = abus<misuse> + ive<adjective suffix>
- abus: From Latin abūsus (misuse, waste), derived from abuti (to misuse, consume). The prefix ab- (away, off) + uti (to use).
- ive: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -ivus, indicating tendency or relation.
Etymology Origin:
The word abusive traces back to Latin abūsivus, meaning "misused" or "wasteful." It evolved through Old French abusif before entering Middle English. The core idea of "misuse" (from abuti) reflects its modern meanings of harm, insult, or exploitation—highlighting a deviation (ab-) from proper "use."
His abusive remarks made the workplace toxic.
The law protects victims of abusive relationships.
The manager was fired for abusive behavior toward employees.
She confronted him about his abusive language.
Abusive power dynamics often go unchecked in hierarchical systems.