maltreat vs abuse

maltreat is not a noun while abuse is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
maltreat	No	No	Yes	No
abuse	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, maltreat and abuse are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of maltreat include ill-treat, ill-use, mistreat, step.

maltreat (noun)	abuse (noun)
	improper or excessive use
	cruel or inhumane treatment
	a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

maltreat (verb)	abuse (verb)
treat badly	change the inherent purpose or function of something
	use wrongly or improperly or excessively
	use foul or abusive language towards
	treat badly