mishandle
UK: ˌmɪsˈhændl | US: ˌmɪsˈhændl
vt. to manage or deal with something poorly or incompetently
vt. to treat something roughly or carelessly, causing damage
The word "mishandle" combines the prefix "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrongly" or "badly") with the verb "handle" (from Old English "handlian," meaning "to touch or manage with the hands"). The prefix "mis-" implies error or failure, while "handle" retains its core meaning of physical or metaphorical management. Together, they form a verb describing improper or damaging treatment. The word emerged in Middle English, reflecting a straightforward compounding of these elements.
The fragile items were mishandled during shipping and arrived broken.
If you mishandle this negotiation, the deal could fall apart.
The manager was accused of mishandling confidential employee data.
Mishandling tools can lead to serious injuries in the workshop.
The government faced criticism for mishandling the crisis response.