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treatment

n.
US //ˈtɹitmənt// UK //tɹˈiːtmənt// treat·ment
  1. 1 medical care (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

    medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.

    medical care provided to a patient to manage or cure a disease or injury.

    Example

    The doctor suggested a new treatment for her back pain.

    Example

    The patient responded well to the aggressive treatment, showing significant improvement within the first forty-eight hours of the clinical trial.
  2. 2 manner of dealing with someone (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way you behave toward someone or deal with a situation.

    the manner in which someone or something is handled, dealt with, or behaved toward.

    Example

    The staff complained about the unfair treatment they received from the manager.

    Example

    The diplomat demanded equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or social standing.
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  1. 3 chemical or physical process (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    the use of a substance or process to protect or change something.

    the application of a substance or process to a material to preserve it or alter its properties.

    Example

    This wood needs a special treatment to protect it from the rain.

    Example

    The industrial plant uses a multi-stage chemical treatment to ensure the wastewater is safe before it is released into the river.
  2. 4 film/script summary (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    a short summary of a story for a movie.

    a prose document that outlines the plot, characters, and themes of a film before the screenplay is written.

    Example

    The director read the treatment and decided to fund the full script.

    Example

    The screenwriter submitted a twenty-page treatment that detailed the narrative arc and character development for the proposed historical drama.
  3. 5 harsh punishment (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    rough or cruel behavior toward someone, often as a punishment.

    harsh, violent, or punitive handling of a person; often used euphemistically.

    Example

    The prisoners were given the silent treatment for breaking the rules.

    Example

    The captured spy knew he would receive the full treatment from his interrogators if he refused to cooperate.
Origin

From treat + -ment. Compare French traitement.

Idioms3 entries

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