treatment
gb/tɹˈitmənt/ us/tɹˈitmənt/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
action
1
Care to help someone recover
The help and care given by doctors or other health workers to make someone well again.
Usage pattern:
[someone] receive treatment for [condition]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'treatment' with 'medicine'. 'Treatment' is the whole process of care, not just the pills or drugs.
Synonyms
therapy (Often refers to a specific method or ongoing process of treatment, especially for mental or physical conditions.)
Antonyms
neglect (Refers to failing to provide necessary care or attention.)
Collocations
receive treatment
|medical treatment
|treatment plan
|treatment options
|emergency treatment
Themes
health
|medicine
|daily life
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is receiving treatment for pneumonia at the local hospital.
- The new drug shows promise in the treatment of cancer.
- Immediate treatment can greatly improve the chances of recovery.
- He refused any medical treatment after the accident.
- The clinic specializes in the treatment of skin disorders.
Learner examples
- I need treatment for my broken arm.
- The doctor gave me treatment for my cough.
- She is getting treatment at the hospital.
- He started treatment last week.
- They will give you treatment for your injury.
Noun
B1
action
2
Way someone is treated
The way someone acts toward another person or thing.
Usage pattern:
[someone] receive [adjective] treatment from [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'service'. 'Treatment' refers to behavior toward someone, while 'service' is help provided, often in business contexts.
Synonyms
handling (Focuses more on the process or method used rather than the interpersonal aspect.)
Antonyms
mistreatment (Refers to treating someone badly or unfairly.)
Collocations
fair treatment
|special treatment
|equal treatment
|harsh treatment
|preferential treatment
Themes
social
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The workers demanded fair treatment from their employer.
- He received special treatment because he was a celebrity.
- Her kind treatment of the children won everyone's respect.
- The animals suffered cruel treatment at the hands of their owners.
- They accused the company of unequal treatment of female employees.
Learner examples
- I want fair treatment at work.
- She gave me kind treatment.
- He gets special treatment from the teacher.
- The dog needs gentle treatment.
- They asked for equal treatment.
Noun
B2
action
3
Method to improve something
A way of changing or improving something, often by using chemicals or special processes.
Usage pattern:
[something] undergo [type of] treatment
Synonyms
processing (Emphasizes the series of actions taken to change something, especially in industrial contexts.)
Antonyms
contamination (Refers to making something worse or dirty instead of improving it.)
Collocations
water treatment
|wastewater treatment
|surface treatment
|data treatment
Themes
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city has invested in new water treatment facilities.
- This wood has had special treatment to make it weather-resistant.
- The fabric undergoes a chemical treatment before being dyed.
- Wastewater treatment is essential for protecting the environment.
Learner examples
- Water treatment makes water clean.
- This wood had special treatment.
- The factory does wastewater treatment.
- Metal needs surface treatment before painting.
Grammar
Dictionary form
treatment
IPA
GB/tɹˈitmənt/
US/tɹˈitmənt/
Syllables & stress
treat - ment (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (treat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: treatment
- Plural: treatment, treatments
Word family
Expressions
fair treatment
1/fˈɛɹ tɹˈitmənt/
fixed phrase
Equal and just behavior toward all people
When everyone is treated in a way that is right and equal.
Examples
- Workers are fighting for fair treatment and better pay.
- Fair treatment should be a basic human right.
harsh treatment
1/hˈɑɹʃ tɹˈitmənt/
fixed phrase
Severe or cruel behavior toward someone or something
When someone is treated in a very strict or cruel way.
Examples
- The prisoners complained about harsh treatment by the guards.
- Harsh treatment of animals is against the law.
special treatment
1/spˈɛʃəl tɹˈitmənt/
fixed phrase
Extra care or advantages given
When someone gets more help, care, or advantages than other people.
Examples
- VIP guests receive special treatment at this hotel.
- He accused the teacher of giving special treatment to certain students.
give someone the cold shoulder
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə kˈoʊld ʃˈoʊldɚ/
idiom
informal
Deliberately ignore someone
To act like you do not see or know someone because you are angry or do not like them.
Examples
- After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for days.
- He felt hurt when his friends gave him the cold shoulder at the party.
give someone the cold shoulder
2/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn ðə kˈoʊld ʃˈoʊldɚ/
idiom
Deliberately ignore someone
To treat someone in an unfriendly way by ignoring them.
Examples
- After their argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for days.
- He tried to talk to her, but she gave him the cold shoulder.