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.

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manhandle British  

/ ˌmænˈhændəl, ˈmænˌhændəl /

verb

1. to handle or push (someone) about roughly

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

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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."

Example Sentences

As long as he's not too tight at the weight then I think he can bully and manhandle Smith, being the naturally bigger guy.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2023

“You’re not going to get a long ways trying to manhandle the bike or pedal forcefully,” Acheson said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2022

One effect of Title IX as it approaches its 50th anniversary is this: It created not just stronger women but ones who know a muscle-bound court ruling that might manhandle them when they see it.

From Washington Post • May 13, 2022

I know Chase Young can manhandle a blocking sled.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2021

Then he unhitched his horse from the rocks and let it graze while he began to manhandle the first of the granite blocks into the trench he had already dug to receive it.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• maltreat
• maul
• mistreat
• rough up