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Maltreatment: meaning, definitions and examples

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maltreatment

 

[ ˌmɔːltriːtˈmɛnt ]

Noun
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

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.

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

Etymology

The word 'maltreatment' originated from the Old French word 'maltraitement', which combines 'mal' meaning 'badly' or 'ill' with 'traiter' meaning 'to treat'. The concept of maltreatment has been recognized throughout history, with early laws and societal norms attempting to address various forms of abuse and cruelty. As awareness of the impact of maltreatment has grown, efforts to prevent and combat it have also evolved.

See also: entreat, entreaty, mistreat, retreat, treat, treated, treaties, treatise, treatment, treats, treaty, untreatable, untreated.

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.