treatment
Pluraltreatments
- 1Medical care to help with an illness or injury.
Like fixing a car that has broken down, but for your body.
The doctor explained the treatment for her broken arm.
He needs treatment right away after the accident.
UsageSay treatment for an illness. Use treatments for separate visits or sessions.
Similartherapy, care, intervention
Note
- 2The way that a person or thing is handled or dealt with.
Like how you act toward a guest: kindly or rudely.
The staff's treatment of customers was always friendly.
Their rough treatment of the books damaged many pages.
UsageSay treatment of someone. It often comes with words like harsh or fair: harsh treatment.
- 3The use of a chemical or process to protect something or give it special qualities.
Like waxing a car so rain slides off and it stays shiny.
The wood was given a treatment to stop it from rotting.
This fabric has a special treatment that keeps it dry.
UsageOften in two-word names: heat treatment, water treatment.
Similarprocessing
- 4Beauty or relaxing care for the face, body, hair, or nails, at a salon or spa or from a special product.
She booked a face treatment at the spa for her birthday.
This hair treatment makes dry, rough hair feel soft again.
Note
Less common meanings
- 5
- 6A full written study or explanation of a subject.
Like a whole book that explains one thing from start to finish.
The book is a long treatment of climate change.
This short book is the best treatment of the subject for beginners.
UsageUsed for books and studies: a treatment of a subject.
Similarstudy, account, treatise, analysis, discussion
Note
- 7Rough or harsh handling given to punish someone.
Like being picked out for extra-tough punishment.
The bullies gave the new kid the treatment after class.
If he talks back again, the older boys will give him the treatment.
UsageUsually said as give someone the treatment or get the treatment.
Note
- 8Food, drink or entertainment that a host gives to guests as a treat.
Accept such treatment as a swain affords.
1725, Homer, The Odyssey of HomerHere, treatment means a treat or welcome offered to a guest.Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from the word "treat" plus the ending "-ment."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- Treatment comes from treat plus the ending -ment. en.wiktionary.org