Verbal abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a range of words or behaviors used to manipulate, intimidate, and maintain power and control over someone. It is a type of psychological/mental abuse that involves the use of oral, gestured, and written language directed towards a victim. Verbal abuse can include insults, humiliation, ridicule, the silent treatment, and attempts to scare, isolate, and control. It can also include the use of derogatory terms, the delivery of statements intended to frighten, humiliate, denigrate, or belittle a person. Verbal abuse can happen in any relationship, including romantic relationships, families, friendships, and the workplace. It can be experienced in-person or through any form of technology, such as instant messaging, social media, text messages, voice messages, and video games.

Signs of verbal abuse can take many forms and can come from partners, caregivers, coworkers, parents, and others. Common signs of emotional and verbal abuse may include isolation and control, removing contact with others, preventing someone from visiting friends and family, trying to stop someone from going to work or school, insisting someone does things their way, and making someone feel guilty for their actions. Verbal abuse can damage self-worth and well-being, and it may be difficult to recognize abuse if someone is not being physically hurt.

It is important to remember that verbal abuse is not normal and can wear someone down over time. Victims of verbal abuse may display abusive behaviors towards other individuals, and verbal abuse can damage the self-esteem of students, places irrational blame onto themselves, and affect mental health and social interaction abilities. If someone thinks they are experiencing verbal abuse, they should trust their instincts and seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional. Therapy can help work towards healing from verbal abuse.