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Glite Dictionary
to manhandle

to manhandle

20 6.7
To move or hold someone roughly using force
  • verb
  • /ˈmænˌhændl/
  • NSFW
translation icon : maltratar
  • The security guard had to manhandle the unruly fan out of the stadium after the match.
  • manhandled by the police
  • manhandled by security
  • get manhandled

The Egyptian police broke her arm and shoulder once manhandling her.

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Examples

  • ADA immediately stands, but BMNES is much stronger and manhandles her across to the bed.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • The door flies open and bouncers manhandle Duke and Gonzo out.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • I'm just going to try to manhandle that round a little bit.

  • This past season, they manhandled them across the ice to waiting aircraft.

  • If you are like my size, manhandling everyone, it might be a little different.

  • Looks like you got manhandled.

    The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning (2007)

  • Suddenly, the door is thrown open and four soldiers manhandle an inert body, dressed in full armor, into the room.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • Pennsylvania manhandled Kentucky 31 to 3.

    Two for the Money (2005)

  • Juliet caught him just in time, manhandling him onto the couch.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Jack was sweating profusely by the time he had manhandled the suitcase to the street.

    Fiction book (1998)

Synonyms

to shove
vsto manhandle
528 2.7

Push someone or something roughly and quickly

treats roughly in a more sustained or controlling way
to rough up
vsto manhandle
  • Offensive
35 7.3

To attack and hurt someone slightly to scare them

treats roughly but usually without causing injury or serious violence
strong-arm
vsto manhandle
  • NSFW
1 7.0

Using threats or force to make people do something

treats roughly without necessarily aiming to force compliance

Antonyms

to pamper
42 3.7

To give someone too much care and special treatment

to handle with care
4 3.5

To treat someone or something gently to avoid harm

How Forceful

attack
∞ 1.4
to rough up
  • Offensive
35 7.3
to manhandle
  • NSFW
20 6.7
to grab
∞ 1.0
to handle
328 1.0

Surface Forms

manhandle infinitive
manhandled past
manhandled past participle
manhandling present participle
manhandles third person singular

Morphology

manhandle = man + handle (transparent) = man + handle

Meaning is directly derivable as 'to handle (a person) roughly' from the clear components 'man' + 'handle'.

Etymology

The word manhandle comes from man, seen in manual and meaning 'hand', plus handle, so it originally meant 'to use the hands' to move or control something. That's why manhandle now means to treat a person or thing roughly, often using 'physical force'.