maltratar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Verb

Phonetic Transcription

/mal.tɾaˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To mistreat
• To maltreat
• To abuse

Meaning

In Spanish, "maltratar" means to treat someone or something poorly, with cruelty, or to inflict harm. It is commonly used in contexts discussing physical or emotional abuse. The word can describe actions toward both people (especially vulnerable populations such as children, women, and animals) and objects or property. "Maltratar" is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, with a slight prevalence towards written communication, particularly in legal documents, reports, or articles addressing issues of abuse.

Example Sentences

1. Él maltrata a su perro y eso es muy triste.

2. He mistreats his dog, and that is very sad.

3. La ley protege a los niños de ser maltratados.

4. The law protects children from being maltreated.

5. No debemos maltratar a quienes nos rodean, independientemente de su situación.

6. We should not mistreat those around us, regardless of their situation.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "maltratar" is commonly used in several idiomatic expressions emphasizing the act of abuse or mistreatment.

1. Maltratar el corazón
2. No me maltrates el corazón, por favor.

3. Please don’t mistreat my heart.

4. Maltratar a alguien sin piedad

5. No se debe maltratar a alguien sin piedad, eso es inhumano.

6. One should not maltreat someone mercilessly; that is inhumane.

7. Maltratar la confianza

8. Maltratar la confianza de alguien puede arruinar cualquier relación.

9. Misusing someone’s trust can ruin any relationship.

10. Maltratar el cuerpo

11. Algunos deportistas maltratan el cuerpo en busca de un mejor rendimiento.
12. Some athletes mistreat their bodies in pursuit of better performance.

Etymology

The term "maltratar" comes from the combination of "mal-" (a prefix meaning "bad" or "wrong") and "tratar" (to treat). The prefix signifies negative treatment or actions.

Synonyms

• Abusar (to abuse)
• Maltratarse (to mistreat oneself)
• Desatender (to neglect)

Antonyms

• Tratar bien (to treat well)
• Cuidar (to care for)
• Respetar (to respect)

This information provides a comprehensive overview of the word "maltratar" in various contexts and usages in the Spanish language.