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Maltreatment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Maltreatment refers to cruel, violent, or unfair treatment of someone, often involving abuse or neglect. It can occur in relationships, care settings, or institutions, causing physical or emotional harm.

maltreatment

/mælˈtriːtmənt/ /mælˈtriːtmənt/

Definition:

Cruel or harmful treatment of someone, often involving abuse or neglect.

Synonyms:

abuse, mistreatment, ill-treatment, oppression

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

kindness, care

Common Collocations:

child maltreatment, animal maltreatment, report maltreatment, prevent maltreatment, suffer maltreatment

Derivatives:

maltreat, maltreated, maltreating

Usage Tips:

Use "maltreatment" to describe systematic abuse or neglect, often in formal contexts like law or social work.

Common Phrases:

systemic maltreatment, endure maltreatment, expose maltreatment

Etymology:

From French "maltraiter," meaning "to treat badly," combining "mal-" (badly) and "traiter" (to treat).

Examples:

  • 1. The child suffered severe maltreatment before being rescued.
  • 2. Animal maltreatment is a punishable offense in many countries.
  • 3. She reported the maltreatment of elderly patients at the nursing home.
  • 4. The documentary exposed systemic maltreatment in the prison system.

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