maltreat

UK/mæl'triːt/US/mæl'tri:t/

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Definitions

To treat someone or something cruelly, roughly, or unfairly.

虐待，粗暴对待

Root Breakdown

Root-derived

mal-bad, ill

treatpull, drag, draw

=maltreat

mal- (badly) + treat (handle, from Latin tractare 'to handle') = to handle badly. 'Treat' is the Old-French-softened descendant of tractare; to maltreat is literally to mishandle a person.

Root tra still carries 109 more words

Common Collocations

1.maltreat prisoners虐待囚犯
2.maltreat animals虐待动物

Example Sentences

1.
The report accused the company of maltreating its workers.
2.
Animals that are maltreated often become fearful and aggressive.

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