mishandle

American  

[mis-han-dl] / mɪsˈhæn dl /

verb (used with object)

mishandled, mishandling

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 British  

/ ˌmɪsˈhændəl /

verb

1. (tr) to handle or treat badly or inefficiently

---

Etymology

Origin of mishandle

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

Example Sentences

After the province announced the program's expiration, Canadian media was filled with critics who said it had been mishandled.

From Barron's

Federal officials also denied Minnesota state investigators access to the shooting scene in south Minneapolis, prompting local and state officials to accuse the Homeland Security agency of mishandling evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

After federal officials denied Minnesota state investigators access to the shooting scene in South Minneapolis, local and state officials in Minnesota accused the Homeland Security agency of mishandling evidence.

From Los Angeles Times

Once a cop with a promising career, he became a law-enforcement pariah after mishandling an Alberta murder case involving a 6-year-old child.

From The Wall Street Journal

In addition to the lowest cancellation rate, Allegiant mishandled the fewest bags and involuntarily bumped the fewest passengers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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