What does manhandling mean?
Manhandling refers to the act of handling someone roughly or violently, often with the intention of intimidating or dominating them. This can involve physical force, aggressive restraint, or other forms of physical coercion. The term is often used in contexts such as police brutality, workplace harassment, or physical altercations. Manhandling can have serious consequences, both physically and emotionally, for the person being handled. It is essential to recognize the implications of manhandling and to address instances of such behavior in a fair and effective manner. The term is commonly used in both British and US English, and its meaning is generally consistent across different regions and dialects.
verbTo handle someone roughly or violently, often in a way that is intended to intimidate or dominate. Manhandling can involve physical force or aggressive restraint.
- to handle someone roughly
- to dominate or control someone through physical force or intimidation
"The security guards were accused of manhandling the protesters, leading to widespread criticism."
"The police were criticized for manhandling the suspect during the arrest."
"The manager was accused of manhandling his employees, creating a toxic work environment."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of manhandling
The term manhandling is derived from the combination of 'man' and 'handling'. The word 'man' has Old English and Germanic roots, while 'handling' comes from the Old English 'handlian', meaning 'to handle'. The term manhandling has evolved to describe the act of handling someone roughly or violently, often with negative connotations.
How manhandling is actually used
Manhandling often carries a negative connotation and can imply a breach of physical or personal boundaries. It is commonly used in contexts involving physical altercations, police brutality, or workplace harassment.