handle (handles plural & 3rd person present) (handling present participle) (handled past tense & past participle )
1 n-count A handle is a small round object or a lever that is attached to a door and is used for opening and closing it.
I turned the handle and found the door was open.
2 n-count A handle is the part of an object such as a tool, bag, or cup that you hold in order to be able to pick up and use the object.
The handle of a cricket bat protruded from under his arm., ...a broom handle.
3 verb If you say that someone can handle a problem or situation, you mean that they have the ability to deal with it successfully.
To tell the truth, I don't know if I can handle the job... V n
4 verb If you talk about the way that someone handles a problem or situation, you mention whether or not they are successful in achieving the result they want.
I think I would handle a meeting with Mr. Siegel very badly... V n adv
handling n-uncount usu N of n
The family has criticized the military's handling of Robert's death.
5 verb If you handle a particular area of work, you have responsibility for it.
She handled travel arrangements for the press corps during the presidential campaign... V n
6 verb When you handle something such as a weapon, vehicle, or animal, you use it or control it, especially by using your hands.
I had never handled an automatic. V n
7 verb If something such as a vehicle handles well, it is easy to use or control.
His ship had handled like a dream! V adv/prep
8 verb When you handle something, you hold it or move it with your hands.
Wear rubber gloves when handling cat litter. V n
9 n-sing If you have ahandleon a subject or problem, you have a way of approaching it that helps you to understand it or deal with it.
INFORMAL a N on n
When you have got a handle on your anxiety you can begin to control it.
10 If you fly off the handle , you suddenly and completely lose your temper.
INFORMAL
fly off the handle phrase V inflects
He flew off the handle at the slightest thing.
