mis·han·dle 
/ˌmɪsˈhændl̟/ verb
mis·han·dles; mis·han·dled; mis·han·dling /ˌmɪsˈhændl̟/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to deal with or manage (something) badly or incorrectly
▪ The police mishandled the investigation. 2 : to touch or treat (something) in a way that causes damage
▪ mishandle a package ▪ Apples are easily bruised when they are mishandled. 3 sports : to fail to catch or hold (a ball) properly
▪ The shortstop mishandled the throw. ▪ The quarterback fumbled when he mishandled the snap.
▪ The police mishandled the investigation.
▪ mishandle a package ▪ Apples are easily bruised when they are mishandled.
▪ The shortstop mishandled the throw. ▪ The quarterback fumbled when he mishandled the snap.
— mis·han·dling noun [noncount]
▪ The police have been criticized for their mishandling of the investigation.
▪ The police have been criticized for their mishandling of the investigation.
