1. cruel or harsh treatment of a person or animal

Examples

• The investigation revealed evidence of child maltreatment in the home.
• Animal rights activists protested the maltreatment of circus animals.
• The elderly patient’s family sued the nursing home for maltreatment.
• Laws exist to protect workers from maltreatment by their employers.
• The documentary exposed the maltreatment of prisoners in the facility.
• Social services intervened to prevent further maltreatment of the children.