mistreat

/ˌmɪsˈtriːt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmɪsˈtriːt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌmis-ˈtrēt/ (ame, mw)

mistreat — verb

  • mistreatpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • mistreatshe / she / it
  • mistreatedpast simple
  • mistreating-ing form

1. to be harsh to someone or an animal, hurting them through cruel or unfair behavi

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to be harsh to someone or an animal, hurting them through cruel or unfair behaviour.

例句

The coach was fired after parents said he mistreated young players.

passive after reports of cruelty

Workers said the factory owner mistreated them by cutting meal breaks.

mistreat + someone + by + -ing

同義詞
  • abuse

    stronger and often suggests physical or emotional harm

  • bully

    focuses on using power to frighten or control someone

  • maltreat

    more formal and less common in everyday speech

反義詞
  • treat well

    means acting kindly and fairly toward someone

  • care for

    emphasises giving kind attention, especially to a child or animal

文法句型

mistreat + person/animal

be mistreated by + person/group

mistreat + person + by + -ing

用法筆記

Often used for repeated or serious bad treatment, not for one small rude moment. Common objects are children, workers, prisoners, animals, or other people with less power.

常見錯誤

❌The waiter mistreated us because he forgot one spoon.
✅The waiter was rude to us because he forgot one spoon.
💡'mistreat' is stronger and suggests cruel or seriously unfair behaviour, not one small mistake.