Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Abusive
A-bu′sive
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
abusif
, fr. L. abusivus
.] 1.
Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied.
I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the
abusive
acceptation thereof. Fuller.
2.
Given to misusing; also, full of abuses.
[Archaic]
“The abusive prerogatives of his see.” Hallam.
3.
Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage;
as, an
abusive
author; an abusive
fellow.4.
Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.
“An abusive lampoon.” Johnson.
5.
Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating.
[Obs.]
“An abusive treaty.” Bacon.
Syn. – Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling.
Webster 1828 Edition
Abusive
ABU'SIVE
,Adj.
1.
Practicing abuse; offering harsh words, or ill treatment; as an abusive author; an abusive fellow.2.
Containing abuse, or that is the instrument of abuse, as abusive words; rude; reproachful. In the sense of deceitful, as an abusive treaty. [Little used.]