mishandle
verb (used with object)
to handle badly; maltreat.
have mishandled
-
present perfectof mishandle.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Emil Bove could not have mishandled this worse if he had tried.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 17, 2025
She says she understands the distrust that victims' families harbour toward Chile's institutions, some of which have mishandled investigations.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2023
“This process ensured that reports submitted during the time period when the Wisconsin National Guard was found to have mishandled reports were reviewed by an experienced prosecutor, investigator, and victim services specialist.”
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 19, 2021
Earlier in his career, during his bumpy rise from top prospect to major league ace, Giolito said he might have mishandled a hyped matchup like the one with Flaherty.
From Fox News ● May 26, 2021
It may sometimes have mishandled an honest man, it may sometimes have forgiven a knave; but it always hated a fool, and struck at him with might and with main.
From A History of Nineteenth Century Literature (1780-1895) by George Saintsbury
