Maltreat Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：treat cruelly (maltreat)

maltreat 🔊

/mælˈtriːt/

vt.

To treat someone or something very badly and with cruelty, causing them physical or mental pain.

Maltreat example: boot about to kick a frightened puppy on sidewalk

treat cruelly 🔊

➕

/triːt ˈkruːəli/

vt.

To treat someone or something in a cruel, harsh, or violent manner, causing suffering.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Mal- (bad) + treat (handle) = handle badly. From French/Latin.

💡 Mnemonic

Mal = bad; treat = handle; so bad handling = cruel action.

📖 Example

A neighbor reported the man to the animal protection organization after witnessing him maltreat his puppy by kicking it. 🔊 A neighbor reported the man to the animal protection organization after witnessing him maltreat his puppy by kicking it.

🔗 Collocations

maltreat animals – treat animals cruelly

maltreat children – abuse children

maltreat prisoners – treat prisoners harshly

🔄 Synonyms

abuse (vt.) – To treat someone with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.

mistreat (vt.) – To treat a person or animal badly, cruelly, or unfairly.

ill-treat (vt.) – To treat someone or something in a cruel or violent way.

🚫 Antonyms

care for (phrasal verb) – To look after someone and keep them safe and healthy.

protect (vt.) – To keep someone or something safe from harm, injury, or damage.

cherish (vt.) – To protect and care for someone or something lovingly.

🌱 Derivatives

maltreatment (n.) – The act of treating someone cruelly or badly.

maltreater (n.) – A person who maltreats others.

📖 Cultural Story

From French 'maltraiter' (mal 'badly' + traiter 'to treat'), used since 15th century for cruel treatment.