Search Dictionary
Definition of maltreat

maltreat

/mælˈtriːt/
mal · treat
Adjective:maltreated
•
Past Simple:maltreated
•
Past Participle:maltreated
•
Present Participle:maltreating
JUMP TO:

maltreat Lexical Profile

maltreat Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To treat (a person or animal) cruelly, roughly, or with violence.

Example

"Animal welfare laws strictly prohibit owners from neglecting or maltreating their pets."

2

To handle or use (an object, material, or resource) roughly, carelessly, or improperly.

Example

"If you continually maltreat the engine by skipping oil changes, it will eventually seize up."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for maltreat
Antonyms
View all antonyms for maltreat

• Rhymes for maltreat

• Nearby Words

maltese cross
maltiness
maltipoo
maltreat
maltreater
maltreatment
malty

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 17th century from French maltraiter, formed from mal ('badly', from Latin male) and traiter ('to treat', from Latin tractare).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maltreat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maltreat
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.