verb
mishandle
Mishandle (verb) means to handle an object carelessly so that it gets damaged.
verb
1
To handle an object carelessly so that it gets damaged.
"If you mishandle a fragile package, the contents may break."
2
To deal with something in the wrong way, making an error.
"Mr. Trump faces 31 counts of violating the Espionage Act, which makes it a crime to mishandle national security secrets."
— Charlie Savage, Trump Documents Hearing Could Set Off Lengthy Fight Over Classified Evidence (2023)
"The prime minister was accused of mishandling the diplomatic crisis."
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English mishandlen, formed from mis- and handle. It is cognate with Saterland Frisian mishondelje, West Frisian mishandelje, Dutch mishandelen ("to mistreat") and German misshandeln ("to mistreat").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mishandle
See all rhymes for mishandle →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of mishandle?
"mishandle" (verb) means to handle an object carelessly so that it gets damaged.
What is another word for mishandle?
Other words for "mishandle" include misconduct, bumble, fluff, bungle, bollix, flub.
What are the different meanings of mishandle?
"mishandle" has 2 main meanings: 1. To handle an object carelessly so that it gets damaged; 2. To deal with something in the wrong way, making an error.
