maltreatment

UK: /ˌmælˈtriːtmənt/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

mal•treat /mælˈtrit/   v. [~ + object]

1. to treat or handle badly or roughly;
   abuse.

mal•treat•ment, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

mal•treat  (mal trēt′), v.t. 

1. to treat or handle badly, cruelly, or roughly;
   abuse:
   to maltreat a prisoner.

• French maltraiter. See mal-, treat
• earlier maltrait 1700–10

mal•treat′er, n. 
mal•treat′ment, n. 
Synonyms

mistreat, injure.