abusive

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabūsīvus
2. French · derived fromabusif
3. English todayabusive

First attested in the 1530s. From French abusif, from Latin abūsīvus, from abusus + -ivus (“-ive”). Equivalent to abuse + -ive.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested in the early 17th century. Prone to treat someone badly by coarse, insulting words or other maltreatment; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.
• Attested only from the early to mid 17th century. Tending to deceive; fraudulent.
• First attested in the late 16th century. Tending to misuse; practising or containing abuse.
• First attested in the mid 16th century. Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied; unjust; illegal.
• First attested in the mid 16th century. Catachrestic.