mistreat

verb

mis·​treat ˌmis-ˈtrēt How to pronounce mistreat (audio)
mistreated; mistreating; mistreats

transitive verb

: to treat badly : abuse
mistreatment noun

Examples of mistreat in a Sentence

They accuse him of mistreating his wife. She claimed she had been mistreated by the police.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additionally, there is no central registry for uncertified school employees who have abused or mistreated students. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024 Cardi, who previously denied all allegations of mistreating her kids, addressed CPS and the agency’s investigation during an explosive Instagram Live session on Tuesday (Dec. 10). Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024 Some breeders have been accused of mistreating the dogs or doping them. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Once again, Finch had fabricated a story that painted herself as both a victim and a selfless hero tending to the brother that mistreated her — as the documentary notes, there is no evidence this actually occurred — while simultaneously co-opting someone else’s pain. Jen Chaney, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mistreat 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mistreat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mistreat

Cite this Entry

“Mistreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mistreat. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mistreat

verb
mis·​treat (ˈ)mis-ˈtrēt How to pronounce mistreat (audio)
: to treat badly : abuse
mistreatment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on mistreat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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