mishandle

verb

mis·​han·​dle (ˌ)mis-ˈhan-dᵊl 

mishandled; mishandling; mishandles

transitive verb

1

: to treat roughly : maltreat

2

: to deal with or manage wrongly or ignorantly

Synonyms of mishandle

• abuse
• mistreat
• bully
• manhandle
• misuse

Examples of mishandle in a Sentence

The police mishandled the investigation.

Apples are easily bruised when they are mishandled.

The shortstop mishandled the throw.

The quarterback fumbled when he mishandled the snap.

Recent Examples on the Web

What happens if you’re caught mishandling an older person’s savings? — Alexiah Syrai Olsen, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Speakers during public comment at the town hall accused the board of mishandling the hiring process and expressed disappointment that another popular candidate, Guion Creek Middle School athletic director John Dawkins, was rejected. — Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Woods mishandled at least 1,045 criminal cases during her 29-year career as a DNA analyst at the CBI. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2026

The incident is only the latest example of park and zoo visitors mishandling animals in ways that draw public condemnation. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for mishandle

• candle
• handle
• sandal
• scandal
• vandal
• panhandle

Kids Definition

mishandle

verb

mis·​han·​dle (ˈ)mis-ˈhan-dᵊl 

1

: to treat roughly : maltreat

2

: to manage wrongly