mistreat

verb

mis·​treat ˌmis-ˈtrēt How to pronounce mistreat (audio)
mistreated; mistreating; mistreats

transitive verb

: to treat badly : abuse
mistreatment noun

Examples of mistreat in a Sentence

They accuse him of mistreating his wife. She claimed she had been mistreated by the police.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China’s leaders have long mistreated American companies and blocked U.S. social media networks — including Truth Social — from operating in their country. The Editors, National Review, 18 Dec. 2024 Over the summer, he was embroiled in a social-media fight among venture capitalists over one of his previous investments and allegations of mistreating the founder. Axios, 6 Dec. 2024 Additionally, there is no central registry for uncertified school employees who have abused or mistreated students. Nolan McKendry | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Dec. 2024 Cardi, who previously denied all allegations of mistreating her kids, addressed CPS and the agency’s investigation during an explosive Instagram Live session on Tuesday (Dec. 10). Michael Saponara, Billboard, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mistreat 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mistreat was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mistreat

Cite this Entry

“Mistreat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mistreat. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

mistreat

verb
mis·​treat (ˈ)mis-ˈtrēt How to pronounce mistreat (audio)
: to treat badly : abuse
mistreatment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on mistreat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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