Entry Word: manhandle

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to abuse physically <charges that the police manhandled peaceful protesters>

Synonyms maltreat, maul, mishandle, rough (up)

Related Words abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, mistreat, misuse; roughhouse, wrestle; bash, batter, beat, buffet, drub, lambaste (or lambast), lick, pound, pummel, slap, thrash; harm, hurt, injure, wound; oppress, persecute, wrong; ambush, assail, attack; clobber, fight, gang up (on), hit, jump, knock; torment, torture

Near Antonyms caress, fondle, pet; coddle, mollycoddle, pamper; care (for), foster, nurture

2 to inflict physical or emotional harm upon <if you see anyone manhandling a child, you should call the authorities> — see abuse 1