French Conversation · Level 172
15 words
French word
maltraiter
Pronunciation
IPA/maltʁete/
Meaning
- verbmistreat
Example
Ne maltraite pas ton chien.
Do not mistreat your dog.
More examples
La loi condamne ceux qui maltraitent les animaux.
The law condemns those who abuse animals.
Core concept
An act of handling a living being so harshly or carelessly that suffering results.
Common phrases
maltraiter un animal
abuse an animal
maltraiter un enfant
abuse a child
Similar words
malmener: To treat someone or something roughly, causing harm or distress.
battre: To hit or beat someone, causing physical pain or injury.
négliger: To fail to provide needed care or attention.
Definition in French
Traiter quelqu'un ou un animal de façon cruelle ou négligente, lui infliger des violences ou des souffrances.
Word origin
The verb was formed in French from mal- and traiter, whose Latin source tractare meant to handle or manage, giving maltraiter the sense of treating badly.
Usage tips
- Maltraiter takes a direct object, as in maltraiter un chien or maltraiter quelqu'un, with no preposition before the person or animal affected.