mishandle

[mis-han-dl]

verb (used with object)

mishandled, mishandling 

1. to handle badly; maltreat.

   to mishandle a dog.

2. to manage badly.

   to mishandle an estate.

3. to lose or misplace.

   to mishandle baggage.

mishandle

/ ˌmɪsˈhændəl /

verb

1. (tr) to handle or treat badly or inefficiently

Word History and Origins

Origin of mishandle¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; mis- ¹ + handle

Example Sentences

Instead of admitting to their mishandling of the family’s initial pleas for help, the Police Department closed ranks and fought them at every step, she says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Critics have also raised concerns about the large-scale collection and storage of data that will be required, and its potential mishandling, as platforms try to verify users' ages.

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Police have been investigating alleged fraud and mishandling of remains at A Milne Funeral Directors, based in Glasgow and Dumbarton.

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Polygraph examiners ask a standard list of questions about drug use, criminal history, foreign contacts and mishandling of classified information.

Read more on Salon

Mr Bolton has recently been indicted in the US on several charges pertaining to the alleged mishandling of classified information.

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Related Words

• botch 
• bungle 
• err 
• flub 
• fumble 
• misdirect 
• mistreat 
• misuse 
• muff