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Meaning of ill-treat
The primary meaning of the word "ill-treat" is to treat someone or something badly or cruelly.
Etymology of ill-treat
The word "ill-treat" has its roots in Old English and Germanic languages, with "ill-" coming from Old English "ylle" meaning "bad" or "evil", and "treat" coming from Old French "traiter" meaning "to handle" or "to deal with".
Historically, the word has been used to describe cruel or unfair behavior towards people, animals, or things.
Synonyms
mistreat
abuse
maltreat
mismanage
mishandle
wrong
injure
harm
hurt
damage
oppress
persecute
tyrannize
bully
intimidate
torment
torture
brutalize
manhandle
roughhandle
roughhouse
ill-use
misuse
neglect
overlook
disregard
slight
offend
insult
affront
outrage
violate
exploit
manipulate
mistreat
mishandle
mismanage
Definitions
- To treat someone or something badly or cruelly, either physically or mentally.
- * To behave towards someone or something in a way that is unkind, unfair, or harmful.
Usage Examples
- The prisoners were ill-treated by the guards and subjected to physical and emotional abuse.
- * The company was accused of ill-treating its employees by paying them low wages and denying them benefits.
- * The animal shelter reported that the dogs had been ill-treated by their previous owners and needed special care.