abusive
Prone to mistreatment
Abusive describes behavior that causes harm through cruelty, violence, or exploitation.
An abusive parent mistreats children.
An abusive relationship involves patterns of control or harm.
Abusive language is harshly insulting: The caller became abusive when told we couldn't help.
The word implies repeated or sustained mistreatment rather than isolated incidents.
Showing contempt through words
- beratingHarsh verbal criticism
- screamingLoud, shrill vocalizing
- yellingVocalization at maximum volume
- name-callingHurling insults at others
mocking · belittling · taunting · ridiculing · denigrating · disparaging · haranguing · scolding
Exerting authority over others
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
- intimidatingInspiring fear or unease
overbearing · threatening · oppressive · authoritarian · tyrannical · dictatorial · heavy-handed · forceful
Grossly offensive to decency
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- crudeUnpolished, raw state
- foul-mouthedUsing crude language habitually
- profaneIrreverent toward the sacred
lewd · coarse · expletive · swearword · filthy · offensive · X-rated · dirty
Involving physical force
- batteringRepeated forceful striking
- hittingMaking forceful contact
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
- assaultingAttacking someone physically
punching · kicking · slapping · shoving · bruising · injuring · attacking · aggressive
Causing damage or injury
- destructiveCausing severe harm
- corrosiveDestroys by chemical action
- detrimentalCausing harm or damage
- injuriousCausing physical harm
ruinous · devastating · debilitating · scarring · wounding · traumatizing · toxic · poisonous
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- molestationCriminal unwanted sexual contact
- assaultViolent offensive act
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- predatoryExploiting the vulnerable
coerced · inappropriate · unwanted · groping · violation · misconduct · nonconsensual · perpetrator
insulting
Showing contempt through words
name-calling · mocking · belittling · taunting · ridiculing · denigrating · disparaging · haranguing · scolding · rebuking
controlling
Exerting authority over others
- manipulativeSkilled at controlling others
- domineeringAggressively asserting control
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
intimidating · overbearing · threatening · oppressive · authoritarian · tyrannical · dictatorial · heavy-handed · forceful · demanding
obscene
Grossly offensive to decency
- vulgarCrude or indecent
- crudeUnpolished, raw state
- foul-mouthedUsing crude language habitually
profane · lewd · coarse · expletive · swearword · filthy · offensive · X-rated · dirty · blasphemous
violent
Involving physical force
- batteringRepeated forceful striking
- hittingMaking forceful contact
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
assaulting · punching · kicking · slapping · shoving · bruising · injuring · attacking · aggressive · brutal
harmful
Causing damage or injury
- destructiveCausing severe harm
- corrosiveDestroys by chemical action
- detrimentalCausing harm or damage
injurious · ruinous · devastating · debilitating · scarring · wounding · traumatizing · toxic · poisonous · erosive
harassment
Aggressive, unwanted targeting
- molestationCriminal unwanted sexual contact
- assaultViolent offensive act
- exploitationSelfish use of others
predatory · coerced · inappropriate · unwanted · groping · violation · misconduct · nonconsensual · perpetrator · survivor
abusivecomplimentary
Free or expressing praise
respectful · praising · polite · courteous · civil
abusiveprotective
Serving to guard
empowering · responsible · judicious · temperate · tempered
- abusive relationshipPartnership involving mistreatment
- abusive languageHostile, demeaning speech