misbehave
verb (used without object)
to behave badly or improperly.
misbehaving
-
present participleof misbehave.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Alternative-discipline proponents stress that restorative justice means school officials must no longer deliver consequences to misbehaving students; instead, they must explore restoration with them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
A top lawmaker from Australia's far-right One Nation party has grabbed headlines after exploding at a misbehaving dog as he was grilled on live TV.
From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026
There has always been salacious gossip about the royal family, and misbehaving royals, but this time it felt much worse.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 31, 2025
The police have also opened a hotline for people to report "misbehaving monks".
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2025
He was saying it for Mother, to define the moment: I was a misbehaving child; he was setting the child right.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
