Definition

To apply a treatment to something before it is used or processed further.

Example

Before painting, you should pretreat the wood to ensure better adhesion of the paint.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I just got some new fabric for my project.

That’s exciting! Are you going to pretreat it first?

Yeah, I think it's important to pretreat it to prevent any damage later.

Good idea! It’ll definitely help with the durability.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pretreat → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "treat" (from Latin "tractare", meaning to handle or deal with). The word "pretreat" means to handle or deal with something before the main treatment or process occurs.

Memory Tip

Think of doing something 'before' ('pre-') you actually 'handle' ('tractare') it — that's why pretreat means to prepare something in advance.

Visually Confused Words