What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abuse
Example
She suffered years of abuse at the hands of her husband. [abuse: noun]
Example
He was accused of abusing his position of authority. [abusing: verb]
Example
Don't abuse your sister like that! [abuse: verb]
maltreatment
Example
The child was removed from the home due to maltreatment by the parents. [maltreatment: noun]
Example
The patient filed a complaint about the maltreatment she received from the hospital staff. [maltreatment: noun]
Example
The company was accused of maltreating its employees by not providing adequate benefits. [maltreating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abuse is more commonly used than maltreatment in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abuse and maltreatment?
Maltreatment is more formal and clinical than abuse, which has a stronger negative connotation and is more commonly used in informal settings.
