maltreated

Thân thiện

The rescue center cares for a maltreated dog.

Definition

Adjective: Treated with cruelty or violence; subjected to harmful, unfair, or abusive treatment.

Usage

The adjective "maltreated" describes a person, animal, or sometimes a thing that has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or cruel treatment. It is often used in formal, legal, or social work contexts to describe a state resulting from prolonged or severe mistreatment. * It typically precedes a noun (e.g., a maltreated child) or follows a linking verb like "was," "were," or "feels" (e.g., The prisoners were maltreated).

Examples

• The charity's mission is to rescue maltreated animals and provide them with veterinary care.
• Evidence showed that the workers had been maltreated and underpaid for years.
• A maltreated child may exhibit signs of trauma and withdrawal.
• The report investigated the claims of maltreated prisoners of war.

Advanced Usage

• "Maltreated" vs. "Abused": While often used interchangeably, "maltreated" can have a slightly broader connotation, encompassing not just physical violence but also severe neglect, emotional cruelty, or exploitation. "Abused" is a more direct and common synonym.
• Passive Construction: The word is frequently used in passive voice constructions to emphasize the experience of the victim rather than the action of the perpetrator (e.g., "Those who were maltreated deserve justice.").

Variants and Related Words

• Maltreat (verb): To treat someone or something with cruelty or violence; to abuse.
  • It is illegal to maltreat animals.
• Maltreatment (noun): The act or instance of maltreating; cruel treatment.
  • The investigation uncovered systemic maltreatment in the facility.

Synonyms

• Abused
• Mistreated
• Ill-treated
• Oppressed
• Persecuted
• Brutalized

Antonyms

• Cared for
• Nurtured
• Cherished
• Protected
• Respected

Học thuật

Adjective

1. subjected to cruel treatment
   • an abused wife

Từ đồng nghĩa

• abused
• ill-treated
• mistreated