manhandle
UK[ˈmænˌhændl]US[ˈmænˌhændl]
v
to handle or push someone roughly
v
to move something heavy with great physical effort, without using machines
Morpheme Breakdown
man
handle
man
handle
Etymology
the word 'manhandle' is a transparent english compound formed from two native old english elements. literally, it meant 'to handle by human force,' contrasting with mechanical handling. the term 'man' here is used in its older, generic sense of 'human,' emphasizing direct physical intervention. over time, the meaning specialized in two directions: one implying rough or violent treatment of a person, and the other denoting strenuous manual labor to move objects, both retaining the core concept of forceful human physical action.
Analysis
Structure: man + handle
- man (old english): the human being, a person. in this compound, it functions to imply human agency or physical force.
- handle (old english): to touch, hold, or manage with the hands. it functions as the core verb, specifying the action.
Examples
the security guards were accused of manhandling the protestor.
we had to manhandle the grand piano up three flights of stairs.
the fragile equipment should not be manhandled during transport.