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

Mayes is currently investigating Horne and the department for allegedly mishandling public funds. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 10 Dec. 2025

Cullison specifically mentioned a news conference that took place on Wednesday, in which Mitch Little, an attorney and state representative, said his law firm had uncovered more evidence that accusations against Caleb Elliott were mishandled. —Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Walshe already pleaded guilty to lying to police and mishandling a body earlier this month. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

What funds is Mayes accusing ADE of mishandling? —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 3 Dec. 2025

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