Maltreat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maltreat

[mɔːlˈtriːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

injustice

To treat (a person or animal) with cruelty or violence, especially regularly or repeatedly.

Synonyms

abuse, ill-treat, manhandle, mistreat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
maltreat	Typically used in formal writing to describe causing physical or emotional harm to people or animals. The organization aims to help animals that have been maltreated by their owners
abuse	Commonly used to describe severe mistreatment, whether it is physical, emotional, or verbal, and can apply to people, animals, or substances. Has strong negative connotations. She suffered from emotional abuse during her childhood He was accused of substance abuse
mistreat	A general term for treating someone or something in a bad or cruel way, either physically or emotionally. Reports indicate that the employees were mistreated by their supervisors
ill-treat	Used primarily in British English, signifies harsh or cruel treatment, typically in a physical sense. The rescued dogs were found to be ill-treated and malnourished
manhandle	Refers specifically to handling someone roughly or forcing someone into a position physically, conveying a more physical and sometimes violent manner. The protesters complained they were manhandled by the police

Examples of usage

He was accused of maltreating his employees.
She was maltreated by her husband for years.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

neglect

To treat (a substance, such as alcohol) with malt or malt extract in the production of whiskey or beer.

Synonyms

brew, ferment, process.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
maltreat	Used when talking about harming or abusing someone or something. It has a negative connotation. The neighbors reported the owner for maltreating his dog It’s important to educate people not to maltreat animals
process	Used for talking about a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end. It’s generally a neutral term. The company is looking to improve its manufacturing process She needs time to process the information she received
ferment	Commonly used when talking about the chemical process that converts sugar into alcohol, but can also describe a situation that is developing in an exciting or possibly chaotic manner. The grapes are left to ferment for several months Social tensions began to ferment in the small town
brew	Appropriate when discussing the process of making a drink, especially beer or tea. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something developing or coming together. They decided to brew a fresh pot of coffee A storm is brewing on the horizon

Examples of usage

The barley is maltreated to create the perfect flavor for the beer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Sciences

Maltreatment can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and verbal abuses, affecting a person's mental health.
Studies show that maltreatment in childhood can lead to long-term psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Social and cultural factors often influence the prevalence of maltreatment, making it a complex issue tied to community dynamics.

Legislation

Many countries have laws specifically against the maltreatment of children, designed to protect them from abuse.
In legal terms, maltreatment can be recognized as a form of domestic violence when it occurs within families.
The definition of maltreatment can encompass neglect, as failing to provide for a person’s basic needs is also harmful.

Psychology

Victims of maltreatment often develop trust issues, making it difficult for them to form healthy relationships in the future.
Therapeutic approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals recover and build resilience against past maltreatment.
Research indicates that the experience of maltreatment can change brain development, affecting behavior and emotional regulation.

Cultural Perspectives

Cultural views on maltreatment can vary; what is considered maltreatment in one culture may be viewed differently in another.
Literature has often highlighted issues of maltreatment to raise awareness and provoke social change.
Art and film frequently depict stories of maltreatment, providing a voice for those who have suffered and emphasizing the need for empathy.

Origin of 'maltreat'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English 'maltreaten', which combines 'mal-' (bad) with 'treaten' (to handle).
The prefix 'mal-' originates from Latin, meaning 'bad' or 'wrong', often used to indicate something negative.
Shakespeare used similar constructions, showing that 'mal-' as a prefix has been part of English for centuries.

The word 'maltreat' originated from the Old French word 'maltraiter', which can be broken down to 'mal' (bad) and 'traiter' (to treat). The concept of maltreating someone or something has been present throughout history, often associated with abuse of power or cruelty towards others. The word has evolved over time to encompass both physical and emotional mistreatment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,872, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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36869 translocate
36870 catafalque
36871 traitorously
36872 maltreat
36873 prunings
36874 tomfoolery
36875 mealybugs
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