mishandle

verb

mis·​han·​dle (ˌ)mis-ˈhan-dᵊl How to pronounce mishandle (audio)
mishandled; mishandling; mishandles

transitive verb

1
: to treat roughly : maltreat
2
: to deal with or manage wrongly or ignorantly

Examples of mishandle in a Sentence

The police mishandled the investigation. Apples are easily bruised when they are mishandled. The shortstop mishandled the throw. The quarterback fumbled when he mishandled the snap.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gridlock perpetual problems: This is a perpetual problem that has been mishandled. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025 Hours before tipoff, Donovan warned about the dangers of mishandling the ball in transition. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 Why Did Joe Biden Free Leonard Peltier? Peltier's supporters say that he was wrongfully convicted, with many arguing that evidence against him was fabricated or mishandled. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 An arraignment as cause for celebration Image Mr. Trump was indicted for the second time, in Florida in June 2023, on federal charges related to mishandling classified documents. Shane Goldmacher, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mishandle 

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mishandle was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near mishandle

Cite this Entry

“Mishandle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mishandle. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

mishandle

verb
mis·​han·​dle (ˈ)mis-ˈhan-dᵊl How to pronounce mishandle (audio)
1
: to treat roughly : maltreat
2
: to manage wrongly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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