maltreatment

American  

[mal-treet-muhnt] / mælˈtrit mənt /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of maltreatment

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

Example Sentences

His security forces responded to enormous mass demonstrations by arresting thousands and sending them to maltreatment and torture in Belarusian prisons.

From Washington Post

It also “apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native Peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples by citizens of the United States.”

From Washington Post

The commission found evidence of neglect and maltreatment spanning decades in Kamloops.

From Seattle Times

Reducing stress for economically disadvantaged parents through the provision of accessible, concrete services creates more stable homes with less maltreatment of children.

From Washington Post

Authorities have alleged that the couple withheld food and medical care from Emma and subjected her to “torture or maltreatment,” while also subjecting her and her siblings to excessive forced exercise and inappropriate physical discipline.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• injustice