mishandle

[ mis-han-dl ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·han·dled, mis·han·dling.

1. to handle badly; maltreat:

   to mishandle a dog.

2. to manage badly:

   to mishandle an estate.

3. to lose or misplace:

   to mishandle baggage.

mishandle

/ ˌmɪsˈhændəl /

verb

1. tr to handle or treat badly or inefficiently

Word History and Origins

Origin of mishandle¹

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

Example Sentences

In 2018, she helped get a law passed that requires airlines to disclose the number of wheelchairs they lose, mishandle or break, and has been outspoken about needing to protect and enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act.

From TIme

Despite his best efforts, Wolfe is accused of mishandling the Ebola scourge, an allegation that strikes deep.

From Washington Blade

Not long ago, New York saw its first funeral director stripped of his license for mishandling the remains of Covid victims.

From Freakonomics

The announcement of such a probe, as the FBI’s sprawling national investigation into the attack is barely a week old, underscores the degree of concern in government circles that vital intelligence may have been missed or mishandled.

From Washington Post

It appears to be either the delaying of mail or mishandling by private contractors.

From Fortune

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• botch
• bungle
• err
• flub
• fumble
• misdirect
• mistreat
• misuse
• muff