Is there any difference in meaning between "ill-treat" and "mistreat"?

I'm aware they are synonyms, but all the same I'm interested in knowing if one word is usually used more in one particular context, for example, or reserved for such a context. Or whether either one of the verbs connotes a stronger action than the other. Any information/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

Solution 1:

illtreat means treating badly, but mistreat means treating wrongly.

Solution 2:

In simple terms:

maltreat = ill-treat

maltreat is rougher than mistreat

Need a proof?:-)

Read the entry on "abuse" (as a verb) in:

Garner's Dictionary of Legal Usage - Page 10 Bryan A. Garner

abuse, vb.; misuse; mistreat; ill-treat; maltreat. These verbs share the sense “to deal with in a harmful or wrongful way.”

[Edit] One of Garner's references is mentioned on that page as supporting the view that "maltreat is usu. restricted to the rougher forms of mistreating."

Solution 3:

The migrant workers during Covid 19 were mistreated by the state governments by not giving them food and shelter.
The ill-treatment on the animals will invite heavy panalties or even jail.
Mistreatment means behave wrongly.
ill- treatment means behave cruelly.