Standard Lemma guide

ill-treat

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To treat someone or something badly or unkindly; to abuse or mistreat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

treat badly

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This boss abuses his workers
  • She is always stepping on others to get ahead

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: mistreat, maltreat, abuse, ill-use, step

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: treat, handle, do by

Narrower terms: kick around

History

Etymology

From ill + treat.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Gothic: 𐌰𐌽𐌰𐌼𐌰𐌷𐍄𐌾𐌰𐌽 (anamahtjan) — to treat someone badly
  • Japanese: 虐待する (gyakutai-suru) — to treat someone badly
  • Māori: tunuhuruhuru — to treat someone badly
  • Māori: tūkino — to treat someone badly
  • Māori: rurerure — to treat someone badly