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Definition of misbehave

misbehave

/ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪv/
mis · be · have
Past Simple:misbehaved
•
Past Participle:misbehaved
•
Present Participle:misbehaving
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misbehave Lexical Profile

misbehave Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act or conduct oneself in an improper, unruly, or unacceptable way (especially of a child or pet).

Example

"The teacher warned the students that anyone who chose to misbehave during the assembly would lose recess privileges."

2

To fail to function properly or reliably (of a machine, device, or body part).

Example

"My laptop started to misbehave right before the presentation, freezing every few minutes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for misbehave
Antonyms
View all antonyms for misbehave

• Rhymes for misbehave

• Nearby Words

misassign
misassumption
misbalance
misbehave
misbehavior
misbranding
miscalculate

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the prefix 'mis-' (badly or wrongly) and the verb 'behave'.

Cite this Entry

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