mistreat

/'mis'tri:t/
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Thân thiện
mistreat

The boss mistreats his employees by yelling at them.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To treat someone or something badly, cruelly, or unfairly: The core meaning involves causing harm, distress, or suffering through one's actions or behavior. It implies a failure to provide proper care or respect.
Usage

The verb "mistreat" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or thing being treated badly). It is often used in contexts involving power imbalances, such as in relationships, workplaces, or with animals. It describes ongoing or repeated harmful behavior rather than a single, isolated incident.

Examples
  • Verb:
    • The investigation found that the company had mistreated its employees.
    • It is illegal to mistreat animals.
    • He felt deeply hurt after being mistreated by his so-called friends.
Advanced Usage
  • "to be mistreated": This passive construction is common when the focus is on the victim of the bad treatment.
    • The refugees reported being mistreated by the guards.
  • Conceptual use: While typically applied to living beings, it can be used metaphorically for objects.
    • If you mistreat that equipment, it will break quickly.
Variants and Related Words
  • Mistreatment (n): The act or instance of treating someone or something badly.
    • The prisoner suffered severe mistreatment.
  • Ill-treat (v): A synonym very close in meaning to "mistreat".
  • Maltreat (v): A more formal synonym for "mistreat".
Synonyms
  • Abuse: To use or treat in a way that causes harm or injury. Often stronger and can include physical violence.
  • Ill-treat: To treat cruelly or unfairly.
  • Maltreat: To treat badly, with cruelty or violence.
  • Oppress: To govern or treat cruelly or unjustly, often on a systemic scale.
Antonyms
  • Cherish: To protect and care for lovingly.
  • Nurture: To care for and encourage growth or development.
  • Pamper: To treat with excessive indulgence and attention.
  • Respect: To admire deeply or show regard for the feelings and rights of others.
Related Phrases
  • To mistreat someone/something: The standard collocation.
    • A good leader never mistreats their team.
  • A history of mistreatment: A pattern of being treated badly over time.
    • The dog was rescued from a home with a history of animal mistreatment.
mistreat

The boss mistreats his employees by yelling at them.

Verb
  1. treat badly
    • This boss abuses his workers
    • She is always stepping on others to get ahead

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Từ chứa "mistreat"