maltratar

Senses

1. 1.

   to mistreat, to abuse

   to treat someone or something badly, cruelly, or with violence

2. 2.

   to damage, to harm

   to cause physical damage or wear to something

Examples

• "Ele foi preso por maltratar os animais."

  He was arrested for mistreating the animals.

• "A vida maltratou muito essa mulher."

  Life has been very hard on this woman.

• "O sol e a chuva maltrataram a pintura da casa."

  The sun and rain damaged the house's paint job.

Usage

Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used with direct objects like "crianças," "idosos," "animais," or "funcionários." The reflexive form "maltratar-se" means to harm oneself or neglect one's own wellbeing. Can describe both physical abuse and figurative damage (like weather affecting objects).