Maltreat: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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