Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for manhandle. Search instead for mop+handle.
Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of manhandle

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

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.

A flower seller, asked about the tourist trade, irritably mimed how some outsiders would manhandle his delicate blooms — brilliant purple irises and Van Gogh-worthy sunflowers — and then walk away without buying anything.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2024

“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

It was now left to Ian to manhandle the larger section of the stone into the boot of the car.

From BBC • Oct. 5, 2022

His lead was one shot over Will Zalatoris and Tom Hoge, but his start echoed to yesteryear, when he would zoom from the gate and manhandle majors as he won the 2011 U.S.

From Washington Post • May 19, 2022

This seemed a very long time to Julius, who used the interval to dismiss the four slaves who were now needed to manhandle the large cage containing the full-grown tiger.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks