verbal abuse
noun
: harsh and insulting language directed at a person
She was a victim of verbal abuse.
Examples of verbal abuse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The university told The Oregonian that a postseason review of the soccer program, prodded by player complaints, did not find evidence of verbal abuse, and that many of the allegations revealed by the newspaper were not disclosed at that time.
—
Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
The highly unreasonable lashing out with cuss words and nasty comments—verging on verbal abuse—highlights an unstable mind.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Its leaders must stand strong in a climate reshaped by DeSantis and his torrent of insults and verbal abuse.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Then there were countless accusations of intimidation and verbal abuse.
—Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
The highly unreasonable lashing out with cuss words and nasty comments—verging on verbal abuse—highlights an unstable mind.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Its leaders must stand strong in a climate reshaped by DeSantis and his torrent of insults and verbal abuse.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025
Then there were countless accusations of intimidation and verbal abuse.
—Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for verbal abuse
Cite this Entry
“Verbal abuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verbal%20abuse. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share