1. a person who treats someone or something badly or cruelly

Examples

• The animal shelter rescued dogs from known maltreaters in the neighborhood.
• Child welfare services investigated reports about the suspected maltreater.
• The maltreater was charged with animal cruelty after witnesses came forward.
• Victims of domestic violence often struggle to leave their maltreaters.
• The organization works to identify and prosecute maltreaters of elderly patients.
• Legal action was taken against the maltreater who had been abusing nursing home residents.