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Definition of "mishandle" [mis•han•dle]

  • To deal with clumsily or inefficiently; mismanage. (verb-transitive)
  • To treat roughly; maltreat. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "mishandle" in a sentence
  • "Who doesn't "mishandle" -- i.e., misplace, loose, forget where they left -- the tuition check, the gas bill, keys, glasses, the grocery list, and yes, even take-home work -- at least once in awhile?"
  • "The Department of Transportation issues statistics each month on the rate at which airlines "mishandle" luggage -- that is, don't deliver it to you with your flight."
  • "The Mets did not "mishandle" Church's injury - concussion management is generally trial and error"