English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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verb

mistreat

mihs-TREET
verb
1
To treat someone or something badly or cruelly.
"The charity rescues animals that have been mistreated."
"He was fired for mistreating customers."

How to Use Mistreat

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo treat someone poorly, roughly, or unfairly.

Common pairings
mistreat an animal mistreat employees

Word Forms

mistreated past tense, mistreats singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity rescues animals that have been _____.

Etymology

From mis- ("wrongly") plus treat.

Rhymes for mistreat

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial