maltrato
Lemma Details
Translation: mistreatment; abuse; maltreatment; ill-treatment
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from 'maltratar', which combines the Latin prefix 'male' (badly) and 'tractare' (to handle, treat). The English cognate 'maltreatment' follows the same etymological pattern, with both words sharing the Latin roots that convey the idea of treating someone poorly or harmfully.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mal' (bad) + 'trato' (treatment) = bad treatment or mistreatment
- Similar to English 'maltreatment' but shorter and more direct
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, there has been increasing awareness and public campaigns against various forms of 'maltrato', particularly domestic violence and child abuse. The term appears frequently in social services, legal contexts, and public health campaigns.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Maltrato' is the noun (the mistreatment itself), while 'maltratado' is the past participle of 'maltratar' (mistreated, abused).
Confused word:
El niño maltratado fue llevado a un hogar de acogida.
The abused child was taken to a foster home.
Notes: In legal and social service contexts, both terms appear frequently but in different grammatical roles.
Mnemonic: 'Maltrato' ends in 'o' like many Spanish nouns, while 'maltratado' ends in 'ado' like many past participles.
Explanation: 'Maltrato' (one word) is the specific term for abuse or mistreatment, while 'mal trato' (two words) more generally means 'bad treatment' or 'poor handling'.
Confused word:
El mal trato de los alimentos puede causar enfermedades.
Poor handling of food can cause illness.
Notes: The space makes a significant difference in meaning and usage context.
Mnemonic: One word (maltrato) = specific concept of abuse; two words (mal trato) = more general poor treatment.