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treat

v. · n.
US //ˈtɹit// UK //tɹˈiːt// treat
  1. 1 to behave toward someone (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to behave toward someone or deal with something in a specific way.

    to behave toward or deal with a person or thing in a specified manner. Transitive — requires an object and usually an adverbial of manner.

    Example

    You should always treat other people with respect and kindness.

    Example

    The manager was criticized for the way he treated his subordinates during the restructuring process.
  2. 2 medical care (v.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

    to give medical care to a person or an illness.

    to provide medical or surgical care to a patient or to address a specific pathological condition.

    Example

    The doctor used a new cream to treat the boy's skin allergy.

    Example

    Medical professionals are exploring innovative ways to treat chronic inflammation without relying solely on traditional steroid therapies.
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  1. 3 to pay for someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to buy or provide something special for someone else.

    to provide someone with food, drink, or entertainment at one's own expense as a gesture of hospitality or celebration.

    Example

    I will treat you to lunch since it is your birthday today.

    Example

    To celebrate the successful merger, the CEO decided to treat the entire department to a weekend retreat at a luxury resort.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'to'.
  2. 4 chemical/scientific process (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    to use a chemical or a special process on something to change it.

    to subject a substance or object to a chemical or physical process to improve its properties or achieve a specific result.

    Example

    The wood was treated with a special oil to protect it from the rain.

    Example

    The raw sewage must be treated extensively before it can be safely discharged back into the local river system.
  3. 5 to discuss a subject (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Academic

    to write or speak about a subject in a serious way.

    to deal with or discourse upon a subject in writing or speech. Often used with 'of' in older or very formal contexts.

    Example

    The book treats the history of the city in great detail.

    Example

    The final chapter of the thesis treats the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in modern surveillance states.
  4. 6 a special pleasure (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    something special that you do or buy for yourself or someone else.

    an event, item, or entertainment that provides great pleasure, especially one that is infrequent or unexpected.

    Example

    Going to the cinema was a real treat for the children.

    Example

    After a grueling week of exams, a quiet afternoon at the spa felt like an absolute treat.
  5. 7 a snack (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small piece of food that tastes very good, often given to pets or children.

    a small portion of food, often sweet or savory, given as a reward or consumed as an indulgence.

    Example

    The dog sat patiently waiting for his owner to give him a treat.

    Example

    The bakery specializes in artisanal treats that use organic honey instead of refined sugar.
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Idioms1 entry

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