maltreatment

[ mal-treet-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act of treating someone badly, cruelly, or roughly; abuse:

   Around 4 to 6 percent of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home.

Word History and Origins

Origin of maltreatment¹

First recorded in 1700–10; mal- ( def ) + treatment ( def )

Example Sentences

Police said on Tuesday that the charges had been expanded to include "maltreatment" in close relationships and "another violation" of a restraining order against the same victim.

From BBC

A study examining childhood maltreatment in Australia has revealed the shocking burden for Australians, estimating it causes up to 40 percent of common, life-long mental health conditions.

From Science Daily

In 2021 alone, more than seven million children were referred to authorities over worries of maltreatment, according to a federal report, and more than 200,000 were removed from their homes.

From New York Times

Childhood maltreatment can continue to have an impact long into adulthood because of how it effects an individual's risk of poor physical health and traumatic experiences many years later, a new study has found.

From Science Daily

In stark contrast, authorities refused to comment on the grisly video that emerged or the signs of maltreatment seen in court.

From Seattle Times

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• injustice