mis ‧ treat /ˌmɪsˈtriːt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ treat , ↑ treatment , ↑ mistreatment ; verb : ↑ treat , ↑ mistreat ; adjective : ↑ untreated , ↑ treatable ]
to treat a person or animal badly, especially in a cruel way SYN ill-treat , maltreat :
Security forces are accused of mistreating prisoners.
—mistreatment noun [uncountable]