Dictionary

maltreat

verb mal·treat \ˌmal-ˈtrēt\

: to treat (someone) in a rough or cruel way

Full Definition of MALTREAT

transitive verb
:  to treat cruelly or roughly :  abuse
mal·treat·er \-ˈtrē-tər\ noun
mal·treat·ment \-ˈtrēt-mənt\ noun
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Origin of MALTREAT

part translation of French maltraiter, from Middle French, from mal- + traiter to treat, from Old French traitier — more at treat
First Known Use: 1708
MALTREAT Defined for Kids

maltreat

verb mal·treat \mal-ˈtrēt\
mal·treat·edmal·treat·ing

Definition of MALTREAT for Kids

:  to treat in a rough or unkind way :  abuse

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