maltreatment
/mæl'tri:tmənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: Cruel, violent, or unfair treatment of a person or animal. It implies a deliberate act of causing harm or suffering, often by someone in a position of power or trust.
Usage
The word "maltreatment" is a formal noun used to describe serious, harmful actions. It is often used in legal, medical, social work, and human rights contexts to discuss the wrongful treatment of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, prisoners, animals).
Examples
- The investigation uncovered systemic maltreatment of patients at the facility.
- Laws exist to protect animals from maltreatment and neglect.
- The report detailed years of psychological maltreatment by the authoritarian regime.
Advanced Usage
- "Subject to maltreatment": A formal phrase meaning to be forced to endure cruel treatment.
- Prisoners of war were subject to severe maltreatment.
- It is often used with qualifying adjectives to specify the type: , , .
Variants and Related Words
- Maltreat (verb): To treat someone cruelly or violently.
- It is illegal to maltreat an animal.
- Ill-treatment (noun): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "maltreatment."
Synonyms
- Abuse: The most common synonym, covering a wide range of harmful treatments.
- Mistreatment: Very similar in meaning, sometimes perceived as slightly less severe.
- Brutality: Emphasizes savage, violent cruelty.
- Persecution: Often implies maltreatment based on race, religion, or beliefs.
Antonyms
- Care: The provision of what is necessary for health and protection.
- Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
- Good treatment: Fair and humane handling.
Related Phrases
- Cruel and inhumane treatment: A legal phrase often synonymous with severe maltreatment.
- Neglect and maltreatment: A common pairing, where "neglect" refers to harm through a lack of care, and "maltreatment" refers to harm through active cruelty.
Noun
- cruel or inhumane treatment
- the child showed signs of physical abuse