World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesMaltreat
/mælˈtriːt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To treat a person or animal cruelly or with violence.
"The organization works to protect children from being maltreated in any form." - 2
To handle or deal with something in a harmful or abusive manner.
"The neglected pets were maltreated by their previous owners."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the prefix mal- (meaning 'bad' or 'ill', from Old French and Latin male) combined with the verb treat (from Old French traitier, from Latin tractare 'to handle, manage'). Entering the English lexicon in the 16th century, the word originally meant to handle roughly or cruelly, retaining its core semantics of abuse and mistreatment over time.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Maltreat"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Maltreat" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
maltraiter
Transliteration: mal-traiter
"Il est illégal de maltraiter les animaux."
misshandeln
Transliteration: miss-handeln
"Es ist falsch, Tiere zu misshandeln."
maltrattare
Transliteration: mal-trattare
"È inaccettabile maltrattare gli animali."
maltratar
Transliteration: mal-tratar
"No se debe maltratar a los animales."
maltratar
Transliteration: mal-tratar
"É errado maltratar os animais."
दुरुपयोग करना
Transliteration: durupyog karna
"जानवरों के साथ दुरुपयोग करना गलत है।"
虐待
Transliteration: nüèdài
"虐待动物是不可接受的。"
학대하다
Transliteration: hakdaehada
"동물을 학대하는 것은 잘못된 일입니다."
虐待する
Transliteration: gyakutai suru
"動物を虐待することは許されません。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA black billiard ball bearing the number 8, which must be potted last in certain pool games to win.
Expressions of strong approval, commendation, or glowing acclaim.
A fixed source of illumination that does not move, often used as a navigational beacon, landmark, or stage lighting fixture.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Maltreat"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.