Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
maltreat [mal-treet] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin See more synonyms for maltreat on Thesaurus.com verb (used with object)
- to treat or handle badly, cruelly, or roughly; abuse: to maltreat a prisoner.
Origin of maltreat 1700–10; earlier maltrait French maltraiter. See mal-, treat Related formsmal·treat·er, nounmal·treat·ment, nounCan be confusedmaltreatment mistreatmentSynonyms for maltreat See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com mistreat, injure. Related Words for maltreat victimize, misuse, harm, damage, mishandle, injure Examples from the Web for maltreat Contemporary Examples of maltreat
My whole theme was the way we maltreat royal persons, making them one superhuman, and yet less than human.
Hilary Mantel: I Have No Regrets About Kate Middleton “Jointed Doll” Comments
Tom Sykes
March 8, 2013
Historical Examples of maltreat
The peoples of Europe can maltreat, but happily not judge one another.
The Civilisation of the Renaissance in Italy
Jacob Burckhardt
It was contrary to all the homely traditions at the farm to kill or maltreat a toad.
C. A. Stephens
Consequently my uncle looked upon me as useless, and began to maltreat me again.
George Sand
Crosby was her property, to browbeat and maltreat as seemed best to her.
Miriam Michelson
You may maltreat him when I am away, but not before my eyes.
(Attributed To) King Shudraka
British Dictionary definitions for maltreat maltreat verb
- (tr) to treat badly, cruelly, or inconsiderately
Derived Formsmaltreater, nounmaltreatment, nounWord Origin for maltreat C18: from French maltraiter Word Origin and History for maltreat v.
1708, from French maltraiter, or formed in English from mal- + treat (v.). Related: Maltreated; maltreating.