maltratar
1. to treat someone or something cruelly, harshly, or unkindly
The animal was ill-treated by its previous owner.
O animal foi maltratado pelo seu dono anterior.
2. to handle or use something roughly or carelessly
Don't ill-treat the equipment; it's expensive.
Não maltrate o equipamento; é caro.
3. to subject someone to bad or abusive behavior
Children should never be ill-treated under any circumstances.
Crianças nunca devem ser maltratadas em nenhuma circunstância.
In Brazil, 'maltratar' is commonly used in contexts of animal welfare, child protection, and labor rights discussions. The term carries serious moral weight and is frequently used in legal and social contexts. In the USA, 'ill-treat' is more formal and literary; 'mistreat' is more commonly used in everyday speech.
NYC Slang
mess with, rough up, do dirty to
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