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using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language:
an abusive author; abusive remarks.
treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, especially physically:
his abusive handling of the horse.
wrongly used; corrupt:
an abusive exercise of power.
Contemporary Examples

Mary Williams filed an appeal to the IRS in tax court last year, blaming her “controlling, abusive” husband for the problem.
Patients Screwed in Spine Surgery ‘Scam’ The Center for Investigative Reporting November 2, 2014

Gruelle’s story highlights the overlooked fact that leaving an abusive relationship can be lethal.
The Worst Question for Abuse Victims Emily Shire October 19, 2014

Some ran away from abusive families and fell into the clutches of traffickers they met on the road.
The Sex-Slave Rescuer Michelle Goldberg March 2, 2010

Suffering a brain injury as a result of gang violence or an abusive home is very different than one on the football field.
Study Says Half of Jailed NYC Teens Have History of Brain Injury Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Tej Azad April 21, 2014

His mother was English, but his father was Irish-American, an abusive character with an intimidating presence.
On Stage as Gore Vidal Nicholas Wapshott January 10, 2009

Historical Examples

They were not only plain but abusive, and he complained bitterly to Hamar.
The Sorcery Club Elliott O’Donnell

You are abusive, Ctesippus, said Dionysodorus, you are abusive!
Euthydemus Plato

But, strange to say, in spite of his being so abusive, his eyes wandered about uneasily.
Virgin Soil Ivan S. Turgenev

The deputy followed me, indulging in a tirade of most abusive language.
The Prison Chaplaincy, And Its Experiences Hosea Quinby

They are rather names of disease, for they express some element in excess, some dangerous and abusive exaggeration.
Amiel’s Journal Henri-Frdric Amiel

adjective
characterized by insulting or coarse language
characterized by maltreatment
incorrectly used; corrupt
adj.

1530s (implied in abusively), originally “improper,” from Middle French abusif, from Latin abusivus, from abus-, past participle stem of abuti (see abuse (v.)). Meaning “full of abuse” is from 1580s. Abuseful was used 17c., and Shakespeare has abusious (“Taming of the Shrew,” 1594). Related: Abusiveness.