misbehave
UK: ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪv | US: ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪv
vi. to act improperly or disobediently
vt. to behave badly or inappropriately
The word "misbehave" combines the prefix "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrong" or "badly") with the verb "behave" (from Old French "behaver," meaning "to act or conduct oneself"). The prefix "mis-" negates or reverses the expected action, turning "behave" into its opposite—acting improperly. This logical pairing reflects a straightforward evolution in English, where affixes modify root meanings to create nuanced verbs.
Children often misbehave when they are tired or bored.
The teacher warned the students not to misbehave during the field trip.
If you misbehave at the party, you will be asked to leave.
Dogs may misbehave if they are not properly trained.
He apologized after realizing he had misbehaved at the meeting.