Maltreating: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫🐾
Add to dictionary

maltreating

 

[mælˈtriːtɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

abuse, harm

Maltreating refers to the act of treating a person or animal cruelly or with violence. This can involve physical harm, emotional distress, or neglect. Maltreatment often leads to long-term psychological and physical consequences for the victims.

Synonyms

abuse, ill-treat, maltreat, mistreat.

Examples of usage

  • The organization works to prevent maltreating children.
  • Maltreating pets can lead to legal consequences.
  • He was accused of maltreating his elderly parents.
  • The documentary exposes the maltreating of farm animals.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from combining 'mal-' (Latin for bad) and 'treat,' showing a negative form of treatment.
  • It has been used in English since at least the 17th century, often relating to unfair treatment of animals or people.

Psychology

  • Victims of maltreatment often experience long-term psychological effects, including anxiety and low self-esteem.
  • Studies show that children who are maltreated may struggle with their social skills as adults, leading to difficulties in relationships.

Legal Implications

  • Maltreatment can be grounds for legal action, especially when it involves children or animals.
  • Different countries have laws to protect against maltreatment, like child protection services that investigate claims.

Social Issues

  • Maltreatment is linked to various social issues, including poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
  • Awareness campaigns aim to educate communities about recognizing and preventing maltreatment.

Literature

  • Classic novels often depict maltreatment to highlight social issues, like 'Oliver Twist' showcasing the plight of orphans.
  • Many authors use characters who experience maltreatment to evoke empathy and provoke thought on societal responsibilities.

Translations

Translations of the word "maltreating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mau trato

🇮🇳 दुरुपयोग करना

🇩🇪 schlecht behandeln

🇮🇩 perlakuan buruk

🇺🇦 погане ставлення

🇵🇱 złe traktowanie

🇯🇵 虐待する

🇫🇷 mauvais traitement

🇪🇸 maltrato

🇹🇷 kötü muamele

🇰🇷 학대하다

🇸🇦 إساءة المعاملة

🇨🇿 špatné zacházení

🇸🇰 zlé zaobchádzanie

🇨🇳 虐待

🇸🇮 slabo obravnavanje

🇮🇸 slæm meðferð

🇰🇿 жаман қарым-қатынас

🇬🇪 ცუდი მოპყრობა

🇦🇿 pis muamele

🇲🇽 maltrato

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,394, 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.