What does manhandling mean?
Manhandling is a noun for rough, violent, or excessively forceful treatment of people. Its strongest and most common sense is accusatory: it describes conduct that went beyond ordinary handling, restraint, or movement, often involving officials, guards, employers, or other people acting with physical authority. “Alleged manhandling” is a common journalistic phrase, as the allegation itself signals that the circumstances are disputed. A second sense refers to the difficult physical task of moving or controlling people, objects, or equipment, though this is less common and can sound somewhat old-fashioned. Manhandling is most effective when the precise circumstances are known, since it conveys both excessive force and an implicit judgment that the treatment was improper. In reporting and public debate, it can strongly imply abuse, coercion, or brutality.
nounRough, violent, or excessively forceful handling of people, especially by officials, employers, or guards. The term may also refer to the forceful movement or control of people in a confined space.
- Rough, violent, or excessively forceful treatment of people.
- The forceful movement, restraint, or control of people, especially in a confined or physically demanding situation.
"Workers alleged that the dismissal involved rough manhandling by security staff."
"The inquiry heard testimony alleging the manhandling of protesters by private security personnel."
"Loading equipment onto the truck required considerable manhandling in the narrow warehouse aisle."
Manhandling turns the neutral idea of handling into a forceful warning: people are not being moved, they are being manhandled.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does manhandling come from?
Manhandling is a compound formed in the 19th century from “man” and “handling,” originally associated with the handling of men. It shares its root with “handle” and the later verb “manhandle,” meaning to treat a person roughly or with excessive force. The compound’s development followed the increasing use of “man-” words in the 19th century to form verbs referring to people, as in “manslaughter.”
How manhandling is actually used
The expression is strongly negative and commonly implies that physical force was excessive or abusive. It is especially associated with complaints about policing, detention, labor disputes, and the treatment of employees or demonstrators.
Easily confused with manhandling
Mishandling means handling something incorrectly or carelessly, whereas manhandling specifically implies rough or forceful treatment of people.