English Reference
noun

treatment

n.
US /ˈtɹitmənt/ UK /tɹˈiːtmənt/ treat·ment UK spelling treatment's, treatment's

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    The doctor suggested a new treatment for her back pain.

    In context

    The patient responded well to the aggressive treatment, showing significant improvement within the first forty-eight hours of the clinical trial.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The diplomat demanded equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or social standing.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The industrial plant uses a multi-stage chemical treatment to ensure the wastewater is safe before it is released into the river.

  4. 04 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The screenwriter submitted a twenty-page treatment that detailed the narrative arc and character development for the proposed historical drama.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage treatment centre · treatment centres · treatment by the media


From treat + -ment. Compare French traitement.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated