Word
maltreatment
Phoneticsmal·treat·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/mæɫˈtɹitmənt/
UK/mˌæltɹˈiːtmənt/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. bad or cruel treatment of a person or animal, especially by someone who should care for them.
n. cruel or negligent treatment of a person or animal, especially by a caregiver or authority figure. Covers physical abuse, neglect, and emotional harm.
Examples
“The law protects children from abuse and maltreatment.”
“The nurse reported signs of maltreatment after noticing bruises on the elderly patient.”
“The inquiry documented decades of systemic maltreatment in state-run homes, where neglect and harsh discipline were normalized under the guise of order.”
Examples
simple
“The law protects children from abuse and maltreatment.”
contextual
“The nurse reported signs of maltreatment after noticing bruises on the elderly patient.”
complex
“The inquiry documented decades of systemic maltreatment in state-run homes, where neglect and harsh discipline were normalized under the guise of order.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “maltreatment” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of maltreatment
“The former manager was accused of maltreatment of vulnerable patients.”
verb + prep + noun
02. investigate maltreatment
“Social workers must investigate maltreatment within 24 hours of referral.”
verb + noun
03. maltreatment occurs
“Maltreatment occurs most often where oversight of carers is weak.”
noun + verb
04. maltreatment persists
“Without intervention, maltreatment persists across generations in families.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. alleged maltreatment
“Police are investigating the alleged maltreatment of elderly residents.”
adj + noun
06. emotional maltreatment
“Prolonged emotional maltreatment can damage a child's self-esteem.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. allegation of maltreatment
“The school denied any allegation of maltreatment made by parents.”
noun + prep + noun
08. case of maltreatment
“Each reported case of maltreatment is reviewed by an independent panel.”
noun + prep + noun
09. history of maltreatment
“The patient had a documented history of maltreatment in childhood.”
noun + prep + noun
10. pattern of maltreatment
“Investigators identified a clear pattern of maltreatment over several years.”
noun + prep + noun
11. history of severe maltreatment
“The dog had a history of severe maltreatment before its rescue.”
12. investigate allegations of maltreatment
“The authority promised to investigate allegations of maltreatment thoroughly.”
Usage
Commonly followed by 'of' to name the victim ('maltreatment of children').
Real-World Examples
“Ireland's once-dominant Church has faced a multitude of scandals related to the maltreatment and neglect of children.” “The program is linked to a 32% drop in infant maltreatment reports , which represents a massive prevention of child welfare involvement.” “This incident adds to a troubling trend of child maltreatment cases that have led lawmakers to advocate for a prohibition on physical punishment.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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