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Definition of mistreat

mistreat

/mɪsˈtriːt/
mis · treat
Past Simple:mistreated
•
Past Participle:mistreated
•
Present Participle:mistreating
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mistreat Lexical Profile

mistreat Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To treat a person or animal badly, cruelly, or unfairly.

Example

"Animal welfare organizations work tirelessly to rescue pets from owners who mistreat them."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mistreat
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mistreat

• Rhymes for mistreat

• Nearby Words

mistranscribe
mistranslate
mistranslation
mistreat
mistreatment
mistress
mistrial

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century, formed from the prefix mis- ('badly, wrongly') and the verb treat, which derives from Old French traitier and ultimately Latin tractare ('to handle, manage, or deal with').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mistreat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mistreat
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