Meaning & Definition of Maltreatment in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The act of abusing or neglecting someone, particularly a child or a vulnerable person.

  Example Sentence: The organization aims to prevent maltreatment of children in foster care.

• Definition: Mistreatment that can cause physical or psychological harm.

  Example Sentence: Reports of maltreatment in the asylum system have raised concerns among human rights advocates.

Etymology

Origin: The prefix 'mal-' meaning 'bad' combined with 'treatment', originating from Middle English.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• child maltreatment: Abuse or neglect of children.
• domestic maltreatment: Abuse occurring within a domestic setting, typically in intimate relationships.
• institutional maltreatment: Abuse that occurs within an institutional setting.

Translations

• Spanish: maltrato

• French: mauvais traitement

• German: Misshandlung

• Russian: Злоупотребление

Related Words

• abuse: The improper use of something, typically causing harm.

• neglect: Failing to care for someone or something adequately.

• cruelty: The willful infliction of pain or suffering on others.

Slang Meanings of maltreatment

• Meaning: bad vibes

  Example Sentence: He gave me some bad vibes when he talked about his past maltreatment.

• Meaning: rough treatment

  Example Sentence: That job sounded like rough treatment; I won't apply there.