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Definition of manhandle

manhandle

/ˈmænˌhæn.dəl/
man · han · dle
Past Simple:manhandled
•
Past Participle:manhandled
•
Present Participle:manhandling
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manhandle Lexical Profile

manhandle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To push, pull, or handle a person roughly or with excessive physical force.

Example

"The security guards were criticized for attempting to manhandle the protesters outside the venue."

2

To move or lift a heavy object by human physical effort alone, typically with difficulty.

Example

"Three stagehands had to manhandle the grand piano up the narrow flight of stairs."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

mangrove snapper
mangshan pit viper
mangy
manhandle
manhater
manhattan
manhole

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-19th century as a nautical term meaning to move heavy gear by sheer human force without mechanical aid, formed by combining 'man' and 'handle'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Manhandle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/manhandle
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