Meaning & Definition of word "Mistreat"

Mistreat

/ˌmɪsˈtriːt/

1. to treat (a person or animal) cruelly or badly.
- Example: It's unacceptable to mistreat any living creature.
2. to do something wrong or unfair to someone or something.
- Example: She felt that her boss mistreats him by constantly assigning him extra work without recognition.
3. to harm someone by treating them poorly or neglecting their needs.
- Example: Many animals in shelters are mistreated and need loving homes.
4. to handle something in a wrong or careless way.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Give someone a hard time.

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

Meaning: To throw shade.

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