— abusively , adv. — abusiveness , n.
/euh byooh"siv/ , adj.
1. using, containing, or characterized by harshly or coarsely insulting language: an abusive author; abusive remarks.
2. treating badly or injuriously; mistreating, esp. physically: his abusive handling of the horse.
3. wrongly used; corrupt: an abusive exercise of power.
[ 1575-85; abusivus. See ABUSE, -IVE ]