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Mishandle

//mɪsˈhændəl// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Rough manipulation which causes physical damage. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    Ineffective or incorrect deal. countable, uncountable
  3. 3
    Improper, wrong, or bad usage or treatment; abuse. countable, uncountable
Verb
  1. 1
    To manipulate something roughly, causing physical damage. transitive

    "If you mishandle a fragile package, the contents may break."

  2. 2
    manage badly or incompetently wordnet
  3. 3
    To deal with a situation incorrectly or ineffectively; to make a mistake in handling a situation. transitive

    "The prime minister was accused of mishandling the diplomatic crisis."

  4. 4
    make a mess of, destroy or ruin wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English mishandlen, equivalent to mis- + handle. Cognate with Saterland Frisian mishondelje, West Frisian mishandelje, Dutch mishandelen (“to mistreat”), German misshandeln (“to mistreat”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English mishandlen, equivalent to mis- + handle. Cognate with Saterland Frisian mishondelje, West Frisian mishandelje, Dutch mishandelen (“to mistreat”), German misshandeln (“to mistreat”).

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