Which of the following is NOT an example of verbal abuse?

• A. Yelling at someone to belittle them
• B. Ignoring someone and refusing to speak to them
• C. Threatening someone with harm using words
• D. Calling someone insulting names during an argument

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of verbal abuse. Verbal abuse involves using words to cause harm, such as yelling, insulting, or threatening someone.
2. Step 2: Analyze each option to see if it involves harmful use of words. For example, 'Yelling at someone to belittle them' uses words aggressively, so it is verbal abuse.
3. Step 3: Consider 'Threatening someone with harm using words'—this clearly uses words to intimidate, which fits verbal abuse.
4. Step 4: Look at 'Calling someone insulting names during an argument'—this is also verbal abuse because it involves harmful language.
5. Step 5: Evaluate 'Ignoring someone and refusing to speak to them.' Since this involves silence rather than harmful words, it is not an example of verbal abuse.