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Definition of treat

treat

/tɹiːt/
treat

Plural:treats
•
Adjective:treatable
•
Past Simple:treated
•
Past Participle:treated
•
Present Participle:treating
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treat Lexical Profile

treat Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To behave toward or deal with in a certain way.

Example

"A good manager treats all employees with respect, fairness, and transparency."


2

To give medical care or attention to a patient, illness, or injury.

Example

"The clinical team quickly administered antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection."


3

To apply a process or a substance to something to protect, alter, or preserve it.

Example

"The lumber was treated with a specialized chemical to prevent rot and water damage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

An event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure.

Example

"Visiting the historical museum on a weekday was a real treat for the students."


2

A sweet or tasty snack given as a special reward or indulgence.

Example

"She gave the puppy a small treat after he successfully completed the training exercise."


3

The act of providing someone with something pleasant, especially food or drink, at one's own expense.

Example

"Put your wallet away; dinner is my treat tonight to celebrate your promotion."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for treat

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old French 'traitier' (to deal with, behave toward), originating from Latin 'tractare' (to manage, handle), which is the frequentative form of 'trahere' (to pull or draw).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Treat. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/treat
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