Synonyms

mishandle

American

[mis-han-dl] / mɪsˈhæn dl /

verb (used with object)

mishandled, mishandling

to handle badly; maltreat.

to mishandle a dog.
to manage badly.

to mishandle an estate.
to lose or misplace.

to mishandle baggage.

mishandle British

/ ˌmɪsˈhændəl /

verb

(tr) to handle or treat badly or inefficiently

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mishandle

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is also in keeping with the Justice Department’s tradition of aggressively prosecuting government officials who allegedly mishandle classified information.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

An independent investigation found that Wada did not mishandle the case or show bias towards the Chinese swimmers.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

Then there was Hockenson’s mishandle of a hard throw from Kirk Cousins into the end zone near the end of the game.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2023

Davis will be the kick returner to open the regular season, although he did mishandle a punt in the Chargers’ second preseason game, the ball eventually going out of bounds.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023

"Ay, they may mishandle him!" he continued feebly, his head sinking yet lower on his breast.

From The Abbess Of Vlaye by Weyman, Stanley J.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023