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

Example Sentences

“They’ll manhandle the rock off that loader, Doc, and then they’ll tie on a cable, try to use a motor to pull it out.”

From Literature

Kermit’s boots had been rotting off his feet from all the time he spent wading in the river trying to manhandle the canoes.

From Literature

“Your mama sure makes a fine gingersnap. My mama always says she was born to manhandle a cast iron skillet but your mama was blessed with the lighter touch of a baker.”

From Literature

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 Literature

He sits up and reads from his phone, ‘“Vancouver, Washington, police manhandle black teen at house party.’”

From Literature

Related Words

• maltreat
• maul
• mistreat
• rough up