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"Maltrato" is a form of "maltrato", a noun which is often translated as "mistreatment". "Abuso" is a form of "abuso", a noun which is often translated as "abuse". Learn more about the difference between "maltrato" and "abuso" below.
el maltrato(
mahl
-
trah
-
toh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (cruelty)
a. mistreatment
Las autoridades deben tomar medidas para evitar el maltrato infantil.The authorities must take measures to prevent the mistreatment of children.
b. ill-treatment
El hogar de ancianos enfrenta cargos de descuido y maltrato.The nursing home faces charges of neglect and ill-treatment.
c. abuse
Favor de llamar a la autoridades si sospecha que alguien es víctima del maltrato doméstico.Please call the authorities if you suspect that someone is the victim of domestic abuse.
a. mistreatment
El embalaje deberá ser adecuado para soportar maltratos durante el transporte.The packaging must be good enough to withstand mistreatment during transit.
b. misuse
La garantía no cubre daños causados por maltrato del aparato.The warranty doesn't cover damage caused by misuse of the appliance.
el abuso(
ah
-
boo
-
soh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (undue use)
a. abuse
Su temprana muerte se debió al abuso de drogas y alcohol.Drug and alcohol abuse contributed to his early death.
b. excessive use
Hay un abuso impresionable de frases cursis en este poema.The excessive use of corny phrases in this poem is impressive.
c. overuse
Los fisicoculturistas conocen los peligros del abuso de esteroides.Bodybuilders are aware of the dangers of the overuse of steroids.
2. (misuse)
a. abuse
El infame abuso de poder del alcalde fue ignorado por los oficiales de su partido.The mayor's notorious abuse of power was ignored by party officials.
3. (figurative) (offensive act)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
a. outrage
Hace horas que hacemos la fila. ¡Esto es un abuso!We have been standing in line for hours. This is an outrage!
b. sin (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
Es un abuso hacer que los empleados trabajen cuatro horas extras.Making employees work four extra hours is a sin.
c. outrageous (adjective)
Vaya abuso cómo nos trataron en aquel restaurante.It's outrageous how they treated us in that restaurant.
