2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Abusive  \A*bu"sive\,  a.  [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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  abusive 
  adj  1:  expressing  offensive  reproach  [syn:  {insulting},  {opprobrious}, 
  {scornful},  {scurrilous}] 
  2:  characterized  by  physical  or  psychological  maltreatment; 
  "abusive  punishment";  "argued...that  foster  homes  are 
  abusive" 

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