manhandle

American  

[man-han-dl, man-han-dl] / ˈmænˌhæn dl, mænˈhæn dl /

verb (used with object)

manhandled, manhandling

1. to handle roughly.

2. to move by human strength, without the use of mechanical appliances.

---

manhandle British  

/ ˌmænˈhændəl, ˈmænˌhændəl /

verb

1. to handle or push (someone) about roughly

2. to move or do by manpower rather than by machinery

---

Etymology

Origin of manhandle

1425–75; late Middle English. See man, handle

Explanation

When you manhandle something, you pick it up, push it, or pull it roughly. You might gasp watching movers manhandle your fragile furniture as they load it into a moving van. You can manhandle things, and you can also manhandle people, shoving or grabbing them. If security workers at the airport manhandle a little old lady, nearby passengers will probably speak up in her defense. This current meaning arose in the late nineteenth century — earlier, manhandle meant "attack an enemy," and before that, "wield a tool."

Related Words

• maltreat
• maul
• mistreat
• rough up