虐待 nüèdài to mistreat
to mistreat; to maltreat; to abuse; mistreatment; maltreatment
How to remember 虐待: 虐 cruel + 待 to entertain = to mistreat.
Characters
How it is used
- To abuse or maltreat - 虐待动物 (nüèdài dòngwù) abuse animals; 虐待儿童 (nüèdài értóng) child abuse.
- Strong, formal/legal word implying cruel, sustained ill-treatment, not a one-off harsh act.
- 虐 is read nüè; the whole word is nüèdài.
Example sentences
- 不要虐待动物。 Búyào nüèdài dòngwù.Don't be cruel to animals.