1. treating someone or something cruelly or with violence
Usage: present participle of maltreat

Examples

• The organization investigates cases of maltreating animals.
• He was accused of maltreating his employees.
• The foster parents were charged with maltreating the children in their care.
• Laws exist to prevent maltreating prisoners.
• She reported her neighbor for maltreating his dog.
• The company faced lawsuits for maltreating workers.