Maltreatment: meaning, definitions and examples

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maltreatment

[ˌmɔːltriːtˈmɛnt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

child abuse

The action of treating someone badly or cruelly, especially a child or animal, resulting in physical or emotional harm. Maltreatment can include neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.

Synonyms

abuse, cruelty, mistreatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
maltreatment	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.
abuse	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.
mistreatment	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.
cruelty	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.

Examples of usage

Maltreatment of children is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
She was a victim of severe maltreatment at the hands of her parents.
The animal shelter rescued many dogs that had suffered maltreatment.
Reports of maltreatment in nursing homes are on the rise.
The consequences of maltreatment can be long-lasting and devastating.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'maltreatment' comes from 'mal-', a prefix meaning 'bad', and 'treatment', which refers to the way someone is dealt with.
It first appeared in English around the late 19th century, combining the ideas of poor care or handling.
Similar words in other languages often share the same root, like 'mauvaise traite' in French, which also means bad treatment.

Psychology

Maltreatment can have long-lasting effects on mental health, potentially leading to conditions like depression or anxiety.
Research shows that children who experience maltreatment may have difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.
Understanding maltreatment is key in psychology, as it helps professionals create better support systems for affected individuals.

Law and Social Policy

Laws against maltreatment exist to protect vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, helping to prevent abuse.
In many countries, organizations are dedicated to investigating and preventing maltreatment, raising awareness of the signs.
Social workers play a critical role in addressing maltreatment cases, ensuring that victims receive necessary support.

Government and Activism

Awareness campaigns against maltreatment have gained momentum, promoting social changes and legal reforms.
Advocacy for maltreatment victims often involves partnerships between governmental and non-governmental organizations to create safe environments.
Education on identifying signs of maltreatment is essential, empowering communities to take action and support those in need.

Pop Culture

Movies and literature often portray characters who experience maltreatment, highlighting the societal impact and raising awareness.
Notable works such as 'The Glass Castle' and 'A Child Called It' address themes of maltreatment, offering personal insights and sparking conversation.
Documentaries focusing on real-life stories expose maltreatment issues, encouraging public discourse and a push for change.

Translations

Translations of the word "maltreatment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maus-tratos

🇮🇳 दुर्व्यवहार

🇩🇪 Misshandlung

🇮🇩 penganiayaan

🇺🇦 жорстоке поводження

🇵🇱 znęcanie się

🇯🇵 虐待 (gyakutai)

🇫🇷 mauvais traitements

🇪🇸 maltrato

🇹🇷 kötü muamele

🇰🇷 학대 (hakdae)

🇸🇦 سوء المعاملة

🇨🇿 týrání

🇸🇰 týranie

🇨🇳 虐待 (nüèdài)

🇸🇮 zloraba

🇮🇸 íll meðferð

🇰🇿 қиянат

🇬🇪 ძალადობა

🇦🇿 zülm

🇲🇽 maltrato

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,085, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21082 grandma
21083 dislodged
21084 disreputable
21085 maltreatment
21086 interposing
21087 booze
21088 culpability
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