mistreat

[ mis-treet ]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat badly or abusively.

   Synonyms: wrong, misuse, ill-treat, maltreat

mistreat

/ ˌmɪsˈtriːt /

verb

1. tr to treat badly

Derived Forms

• ˌmisˈtreatment, noun

Other Words From

• mis·treat·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mistreat¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English mistreten; mis- ¹, treat

Example Sentences

But people who reported being mistreated in their sports interactions, such as being subject to cruel comments or more extreme forms of abuse, were less enthusiastic about the benefits of sports.

From Science Daily

In a statement, the family of one of the three boys assaulted by Millar said: "Even though he was mistreated badly, he thought it was the norm."

From BBC

Several former corporate employees of BaronHR said the firm targeted undocumented immigrants because they were less likely to quit or speak up if mistreated.

From New York Times

Mr. Turing, a math genius and secret hero of World War II, was mistreated by England near the end of his life.

From NewsForKids.net

A large portion of this is because the hip-hop industry has mistreated Megan with exploitative record deals, beefs with rappers and the spread of misinformation online.

From Salon

Related Words

• abuse
• brutalize
• harm
• maltreat
• maul
• misuse
• molest
• rough up