misbehave
Misbehave (verb) means to act badly or improperly, especially by breaking rules of conduct. Example: “The children misbehaved all afternoon while their babysitter was on the phone.”
How to use misbehave
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo act up or break the rules of good conduct.
Word forms
misbehaved past tense, misbehaves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The children _____ all afternoon while their babysitter was on the phone.
Etymology
From Middle English misbehaven, simply mis- (\"wrongly\") added to behave.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for misbehave
See all rhymes for misbehave →Frequently asked questions
What does “misbehave” mean?
The word “misbehave” means to act badly or improperly, especially by breaking rules of conduct. In plain terms, to act up or break the rules of good conduct.
How do you use “misbehave” in a sentence?
Here is “misbehave” used in a sentence: “The children misbehaved all afternoon while their babysitter was on the phone.”
What part of speech is “misbehave”?
“Misbehave” is a verb.
Where does the word “misbehave” come from?
The word “misbehave” comes from Middle English. From Middle English misbehaven, simply mis- (\"wrongly\") added to behave.