Maltreatment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in a formal setting to describe harsh and unfair treatment of people or animals.

• The animal shelter was closed down due to evidence of maltreatment of the animals.
• Reports of child maltreatment in the area have increased.

Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to describe physical, emotional, or verbal harm or exploitation. Often has a strong negative connotation.

• She finally spoke out about the years of abuse she had suffered.
• Drug abuse is a serious problem in many communities.

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe improper or unfair treatment. It is often less intense than 'abuse' or 'cruelty'.

• The workers filed a complaint about the mistreatment they faced at the factory.
• She wrote a book on the mistreatment of women throughout history.

Refers specifically to deliberate and extreme acts of harm or suffering inflicted on others. It usually carries a very negative connotation.

• The cruelty of the dictator's regime shocked the entire world.
• Animal cruelty is punishable by law in many countries.