manhandle

[ man-han-dl, man-han-dl ]

verb (used with object)

, man·han·dled, man·han·dling.

1. to handle roughly.
2. to move by human strength, without the use of mechanical appliances.

manhandle

/ ˌmænˈhændəl; ˈmænˌhændəl /

verb

1. to handle or push (someone) about roughly
2. to move or do by manpower rather than by machinery

Word History and Origins

Origin of manhandle¹

1425–75; late Middle English. See man, handle

Word History and Origins

Origin of manhandle¹

C19: from man + handle ; sense 1 perhaps also influenced by Devon dialect manangle to mangle

Example Sentences

"That is where we are legally allowed to be physical and manhandle players, which will hopefully overflow into other moments on the field. When we scrum, we scrum to dominate."

From BBC

The Yankees mauled and mashed and manhandled the Dodgers in Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium, staving off a sweep with an 11-4 victory.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the chains listed were victims of other economic factors, such as competition, or financial manhandling by their private equity owners.

From Los Angeles Times

A flower seller, asked about the tourist trade, irritably mimed how some outsiders would manhandle his delicate blooms — brilliant purple irises and Van Gogh-worthy sunflowers — and then walk away without buying anything.

From Los Angeles Times

He said: "Back manhandled the child. He handled the situation completely the wrong way."

From BBC

Related Words

• maltreat
• maul
• mistreat
• rough up