mistreat — to treat someone or something badly, cruelly, or unfairly
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to treat someone or something badly, cruelly, or unfairly
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌmɪsˈtriːt/
Example Sentences
- My cat started hiding under the bed after I accidentally mistreated it by stepping on its tail.
- The company was fined for mistreating its workers with excessive overtime and poor conditions.
- He realized he had been mistreating his houseplants when they all started looking like they needed therapy.
mistreat
VERB[/ˌmɪsˈtriːt/]
to treat someone or something badly, cruelly, or unfairly
The cruel master mistreats the exhausted horse, whipping it without mercy.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word originated in Middle English through the combination of the prefix 'mis-' (meaning wrongly or badly) and the verb 'treat' (meaning to handle or deal with). It emerged as a distinct term in the 16th century with the meaning of treating someone or something badly or improperly.
Breakdown
mis- (wrongly, badly) + treat (to handle, deal with). The prefix 'mis-' derives from Old English and Germanic roots indicating error or impropriety, while 'treat' comes from Old French 'traitier', ultimately from Latin 'tractare' (to handle or manage).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat started hiding under the bed after I accidentally mistreated it by stepping on its tail.”
“The company was fined for mistreating its workers with excessive overtime and poor conditions.”
“He realized he had been mistreating his houseplants when they all started looking like they needed therapy.”
“Laws exist to protect people from being mistreated in the workplace.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.