mishandle

[ mis-han-dl ]
/ mɪsˈhæn dl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR mishandle ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), mis·han·dled, mis·han·dling.

to handle badly; maltreat: to mishandle a dog.
to manage badly: to mishandle an estate.
to lose or misplace: to mishandle baggage.

Origin of mishandle

First recorded in 1490–1500; mis-1 + handle

Words nearby mishandle

misgive, misgiving, misgovern, misguide, misguided, mishandle, mishanter, mishap, mishawaka, mishear, mishegaas

Words related to mishandle

err, botch, flub, muff, fumble, mistreat, misuse, bungle, misdirect, blow, goof, harm, pervert, overlook, blunder, confound, abuse, misapply, misconduct, prostitute

Example sentences from the Web for mishandle

  • That misstep turned the narrative into how Romney would handle (or mishandle) a crisis, rather than keeping the focus on Obama.

    Obama Leads and Democrats Crow, But Watch Out |David Freedlander |September 21, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

  • I hope they'll be all right careful of them pianos and not mishandle them so they'll get out of tune.

    Bucky O'Connor |William MacLeod Raine

  • A man hasn't many privileges in this country, but he might at least be allowed to mishandle his own rifle.

    Life's Handicap |Rudyard Kipling

British Dictionary definitions for mishandle

mishandle
/ (ˌmɪsˈhændəl) /

verb

(tr) to handle or treat badly or inefficiently