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misbehavior

[mis-bi-heyv-yer]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR misbehavior ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

improper, inappropriate, or bad behavior.

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RELATED WORDS

impropriety, immorality, insubordination, transgression, misdeed, wrongdoing, misconduct, mischief, naughtiness, shenanigans, fault, misdemeanor, incivility, rudeness, indiscipline

Nearby words

Also especially British, mis·be·hav·iour.

Origin of misbehavior

First recorded in 1480–90; mis-¹ + behavior

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for misbehavior

His rivals in Washington looked for the slightest indication of his famed ego or misbehavior.
Richard Holbrooke's Last Mission in Afghanistan by David Rohde|David Rohde|November 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
It was designed to create a domestic remedy for misbehavior by U.S. corporations abroad.
U.S. Could Prosecute Murdoch|Michael Tomasky|July 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Why the U.S. should fund Pakistan's misbehavior is a question tougher than ever to answer.
America’s Menacing Pakistan Problem|Bruce Riedel|May 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The next day they were sensible of their misbehavior, and sent three of their old counsellors to make an excuse.
The Life of Benjamin Franklin|Samuel G. Goodrich

Essex was so enraged at this misbehavior, that he cashiered all the officers, and decimated the private men.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.I., Part D.|David Hume
Sinukuan summoned the troublesome frog, and asked him the reason for his misbehavior.
Filipino Popular Tales|Dean S. Fansler
The misbehavior of Germany is no excuse for rebuking the liberty of France.
Our Part in the Great War|Arthur Gleason
Only the best people go and no sort of freedom or misbehavior is tolerated.
A Little Girl in Old Salem|Amanda Minnie Douglas

Word Origin and History for misbehavior

misbehavior

n.

also misbehaviour, late 15c., from mis- (1) + behavior.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper