mismanipulate

present singular third person mismanipulates · participle present mismanipulating · participle past mismanipulated · past mismanipulated

1. To manipulate badly; to operate in a way that does not achieve the intended result.

   Second, the switching device may mismanipulate in certain cases.

   2011, Zhendong Sun, Shuzhi Sam Ge, Stability Theory of Switched Dynamical Systems, page 170

   3 more examples

   By a system of shafts, levers and links the overwinding and overspeeding device which is geared to the depth indicator is attached to the hoist-control lever in such a way that the machine would be stopped automatically should the hoistman mismanipulate his levers at the beginning or end of a hoist.

   1926, Coal Age - Volume 29, page 461

   We managed to mismanipulate the old bus so they would miss their train and stay over an extra day.

   1932, The Railroad Telegrapher - Volume 49, page 146

   Anyway, cocksure and anxious to show off on the stage, the young student mismanipulates the chemicals under his helpless brother's eyes.

   1986, Sociocriticism - Issues 3-6, page 152