English Explanatory Dictionary

mishandle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To manipulate something roughly, causing physical damage.
  2. To deal with a situation incorrectly or ineffectively; to make a mistake in handling a situation.
noun
  1. Rough manipulation which causes physical damage.
  2. Ineffective or incorrect deal.
  3. Improper, wrong, or bad usage or treatment; abuse.

Pronunciation

/mɪsˈhændəl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-mishandle.wav

Word forms

mishandle mishandles mishandling mishandled

Etymology

From Middle English mishandlen, equivalent to mis- + handle. Cognate with Saterland Frisian mishondelje, West Frisian mishandelje, Dutch mishandelen (“to mistreat”), German misshandeln (“to mistreat”).

Synonyms

misuse abuse handle roughly handle incorrectly maul mismanage
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