Mistreat

/ˌmɪsˈtriːt/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to treat (a person or animal) cruelly or badly.

It's unacceptable to mistreat any living creature.

to do something wrong or unfair to someone or something.

She felt that her boss mistreats him by constantly assigning him extra work without recognition.

to harm someone by treating them poorly or neglecting their needs.

Many animals in shelters are mistreated and need loving homes.

to handle something in a wrong or careless way.

He mistreated the equipment, leading to its early failure.

From the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'badly' and 'treat' from Old French 'traiter'.

mistreat a person

to treat a person in a cruel or unfair manner.

mistreat animals

to harm or neglect animals, not providing them with proper care.

mistreat oneself

to not take care of one’s own well-being.

abuse

To treat someone or something with cruelty or violence.

neglect

Failing to care for someone or something properly.

exploitation

The action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work.

Give someone a hard time.

He really mistreated her, making her do all the hard work.

To throw shade.

They’re always mistreating him in front of the crew.