definitions

mistreat

[ mis-treet ]
/ mɪsˈtrit /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR mistreat ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to treat badly or abusively.

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RELATED WORDS

maltreatment, exploitation, misdeed, injustice, wrongdoing, misuse, misconduct, corruption, desecration, misapplication, fault, prostitution, crime, wrong, perversion, debasement, offense, delinquency, sin, mishandling

Nearby words

mistral, mistral, frédéric, mistral, gabriela, mistranslate, mistranslation, mistreat, mistreatment, mistress, mistress of ceremonies, mistress of the robes, mistrial

Origin of mistreat

First recorded in 1425–75, mistreat is from the late Middle English word mistreten. See mis-1, treat
Related formsmis·treat·ment, noun
Can be confusedmaltreatment mistreatment
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for mistreatment

mistreat

/ (ˌmɪsˈtriːt) /

verb

(tr) to treat badly
Derived Formsmistreatment, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012