238 Another Word for Be Abusive? – Be Abusive Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say be abusive differently? Here are other words for be abusive and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of be abusive

The primary meaning of "be abusive" refers to treating someone badly or offensively, often in a way that is hurtful, insulting, or violent.

Etymology of be abusive

The word "abuse" originates from the Old French "abuser," which is derived from the Latin "abutere," meaning "to misuse" or "to waste"
Historically, the term "abuse" referred to the act of misusing or exploiting something, such as power or authority
Over time, the meaning of "abuse" expanded to include physical, emotional, or verbal mistreatment of individuals

Synonyms

harass mistreat bully torment intimidate insult degrade demean belittle humiliate mock tease taunt ridicule scorn defame slander libel persecute oppress exploit manipulate coerce tyrannize dominate mistreat roughhandle mishandle maltreat illtreat abuse affront offend outrage violate aggress attack assault batter brutalize savage vicious violent ferocious barbaric cruel inhumane heartless merciless ruthless vicious virulent vitriolic poisonous toxic hostile aggressive belligerent pugnacious quarrelsome contentious disputatious

Definitions

  • Using Oxford Languages, "be abusive" can be defined as:
  • + Speaking or behaving in a hurtful or insulting way
  • + Using physical force to hurt or injure someone
  • + Treating someone badly or unfairly, often in a way that is repeated or ongoing
  • + Using language or behavior that is offensive, insulting, or degrading

Usage Examples

  • The politician was accused of being abusive to her staff, often yelling at them and making unreasonable demands
  • * The company was sued for being abusive to its customers, using deceptive marketing tactics and hiding important information
  • * The coach was fired for being abusive to his players, using physical and verbal intimidation to get them to perform better

Antonyms

kind gentle compassionate empathetic understanding tolerant patient respectful courteous polite considerate thoughtful benevolent beneficent humane charitable generous gracious affectionate loving caring nurturing supportive encouraging uplifting positive constructive helpful beneficial advantageous favorable propitious

Related Adjectives

abusive harassing mistreating bullying intimidating insulting degrading demeaning belittling humiliating mocking teasing taunting ridiculing scornful defamatory slanderous libelous persecutory oppressive exploitative manipulative coercive tyrannical dominating rough harsh severe brutal savage vicious violent ferocious barbaric cruel inhumane heartless merciless ruthless virulent vitriolic poisonous toxic hostile aggressive belligerent pugnacious quarrelsome contentious disputatious

Related Nouns

harassment mistreatment bullying intimidation insult degradation demeaning belittling humiliation mockery tease taunt ridicule scorn defamation slander libel persecution oppression exploitation manipulation coercion tyranny domination roughhandling mishandling maltreatment illtreatment affront offense outrage violation aggression attack assault battery brutality savagery viciousness violence ferocity barbarism cruelty inhumanity heartlessness mercilessness ruthlessness

Related Verbs

harass mistreat bully intimidate insult degrade demean belittle humiliate mock tease taunt ridicule scorn defame slander libel persecute oppress exploit manipulate coerce tyrannize dominate roughhandle mishandle maltreat illtreat affront offend outrage violate aggress attack assault batter brutalize savage vicious violent ferocious barbaric cruel inhumane heartless merciless ruthless
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