French Conversation · Level 145
30 words
French word
malmener
Pronunciation
IPA/malməne/
Meaning
- verbmistreat
Example
Hier, il a malmené mon sac.
Yesterday, he mistreated my bag.
More examples
Les enfants qui sont malmenés ont besoin d'aide.
Children who are mistreated need help.
Core concept
Rough handling that leaves a person shaken, damaged, or demeaned, or leaves an object battered.
Common phrases
malmener un animal
mistreat an animal
se faire malmener
be mistreated
Similar words
maltraiter: To treat someone unfairly, causing suffering or harm.
battre: To strike someone forcefully with a hand or object, causing injury.
abîmer: To damage an object's appearance or function.
rudoyer: To treat someone roughly in an intimidating manner.
Definition in French
Traiter durement ou brutalement une personne ou un objet, en l'abîmant, en le bousculant ou en le rabaissant par des actes ou des paroles.
Word origin
French formed malmener from mal- meaning badly and mener meaning to lead or drive, then extended from bad treatment to physical and verbal abuse.
Usage tips
- Malmener is stronger than a neutral verb for damaging an object and commonly suggests harsh, careless, or abusive treatment.