Basic Details
Word: Maltreat
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To treat someone badly or cruelly.
Synonyms: Mistreat, abuse, harm
Antonyms: Treat kindly, care for, nurture
Idioms and Phrases
- Born with a silver spoon: Used to describe someone who is born into privilege and wealth, suggesting they are well-treated and cared for. Example: "She was born with a silver spoon, so she never experienced maltreatment."
- Spare the rod and spoil the child: This means that if children are not disciplined, they may not learn proper behaviour, implying that maltreatment can be a lack of guidance. Example: "He believes in strict discipline, thinking that spare the rod and spoil the child prevents maltreatment."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The documentary focused on how to protect animals from being maltreated.
Example 2: It is never acceptable to maltreat others, as kindness is a crucial part of friendship.
Example 3: Many activists work tirelessly to stop people from maltreating children and to ensure their safety.
Fun Fact
The word "maltreat" comes from the prefix "mal-", which means "bad," combined with "treat," indicating a negative way of treating someone.
Famous Quote
"It's not how we treat our animals that matters, but how we treat each other." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "maltreat" mean?
a) To treat kindly
b) To treat someone badly
c) To help someone
d) To teach someone
Answer: b) To treat someone badly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "maltreat"?
a) Nurture
b) Abuse
c) Care for
d) Help
Answer: b) Abuse
3. Which sentence uses "maltreat" correctly?
a) They maltreat others by spreading happiness.
b) Animals should never be maltreated or neglected.
c) It is important to maltreat plants to make them grow.
d) She believes in maltreating all people with kindness.
Answer: b) Animals should never be maltreated or neglected.
4. Which idiom means the same as being spoiled or neglected?
a) Born with a silver spoon
b) Spare the rod and spoil the child
c) As gentle as a dove
d) A stitch in time saves nine
Answer: b) Spare the rod and spoil the child
5. What is the opposite of "maltreat"?
a) Abuse
b) Treat kindly
c) Harm
d) Mistreat
Answer: b) Treat kindly
