# mishandle

> English word · Verb · IPA /mɪsˈhændəl/

## Definitions
1. To manipulate something roughly, causing physical damage.
2. To deal with a situation incorrectly or ineffectively; to make a mistake in handling a situation.

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mishandle