misbehave

C2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪv/ UK /ˌmɪs.bɪˈheɪv/ See IPA manual

Freq #25771

Meanings

1

verb
to behave badly, improperly, or contrary to rules or expectations

The children knew they would lose the privilege if they misbehaved again.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to behave badly,... act upmisconduct oneselfbehave badly

Opposites

behave obey

Word family

Forms misbehaved

Derived forms misbehavior

Related forms behave misconduct disobey

Etymology

From Middle English misbehaven, formed from mis- ("badly, wrongly") + behave. The prefix changes neutral conduct into conduct judged improper or contrary to expectations.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

markdown