maltreatment

/ˌmælˈtriːtmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmælˈtriːtmənt/ (ame, ipa)

maltreatment — noun

1. cruel, violent, or harmful behaviour directed at a person or animal, especially

1.名詞B2
釋義

cruel, violent, or harmful behaviour directed at a person or animal, especially when the person responsible should be caring for or protecting them.

例句

The investigation revealed widespread maltreatment of elderly residents in the care home.

maltreatment + of + [group]

Aisha suffered years of maltreatment at the hands of her former employers.

suffer + maltreatment

同義詞
  • abuse

    more common and broader in scope; covers verbal, physical, sexual, and emotional harm, not limited to caregiving relationships

  • mistreatment

    slightly less severe; can refer to unfair rather than cruel behaviour

  • ill-treatment

    similar in formality to maltreatment, but more commonly used about animals or prisoners

  • cruelty

    focuses on the intention to cause pain or suffering rather than the action itself

反義詞
  • care

    showing concern and meeting someone's needs

  • kindness

    gentle and considerate behaviour

  • protection

    keeping someone safe from harm

文法句型

maltreatment + of + person/animal

physical/emotional/psychological + maltreatment

用法筆記

Unlike the more general word 'abuse', 'maltreatment' is typically used in formal or legal contexts and often implies a relationship where the victim depends on the person treating them badly (parent, caregiver, employer, institution).

常見錯誤

❌The boss was accused of maltreating his staff.
✅The boss was accused of maltreating his staff.
💡Note: the verb is 'maltreat', not 'maltreatment'. 'Maltreatment' is only a noun.
❌The child suffered maltreatment from the stranger on the bus.
✅The child suffered harassment from the stranger on the bus.
💡'Maltreatment' implies a caregiving or authority relationship, not a random encounter.