Mistreat: meaning, definitions and examples

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mistreat

[ mɪsˈtriːt ]

^{Context #1}

behavior towards someone

To mistreat someone means to treat them badly or cruelly, often causing them emotional or physical harm. It involves abusing or harming someone, either intentionally or unintentionally.

Synonyms

abuse, bully, harass, ill-treat

Examples of usage

He claimed that his boss mistreated him by giving him all the hardest tasks.
The animal shelter was shut down due to reports of mistreating the animals in their care.

^{Context #2}

handling an object

To mistreat an object means to handle it roughly or carelessly, often resulting in damage or deterioration. It involves not treating the object with the proper care or respect.

Synonyms

abuse, damage, mishandle

Examples of usage

The fragile package was mistreated during shipping, causing the contents to break.
She was accused of mistreating the antique vase by placing it too close to a heat source.

Translations

Translations of the word "mistreat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maltratar

🇮🇳 दुर्व्यवहार करना

🇩🇪 misshandeln

🇮🇩 menganiaya

🇺🇦 знущатися

🇵🇱 złe traktowanie

🇯🇵 虐待する (ぎゃくたいする)

🇫🇷 maltraiter

🇪🇸 maltratar

🇹🇷 kötü davranmak

🇰🇷 학대하다

🇸🇦 إساءة المعاملة

🇨🇿 týrat

🇸🇰 zneužívať

🇨🇳 虐待 (nüèdài)

🇸🇮 slabo ravnati

🇮🇸 misþyrma

🇰🇿 қиянат жасау

🇬🇪 ცუდად მოპყრობა

🇦🇿 pis rəftar etmək

🇲🇽 maltratar

Word origin

The word 'mistreat' originated from the combination of 'mis-' meaning 'badly' and 'treat' meaning 'to behave towards'. It dates back to the late 16th century and has been used to describe both the ill treatment of individuals as well as objects.