han·dle 
(hăndl)
(hăndl)v. han·dled, han·dling, han·dles
v.tr.
1. To touch, lift, or hold with the hands: You should wash your hands before you handle food.
2. To operate with the hands; manipulate: can handle a jigsaw.
3. To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct: handles matters of corporate law.
4. To cope with or dispose of: handles problems efficiently.
5.
a. To direct, execute, or dispose of: handle an investment.
b. To manage, administer to, or represent: handle a boxer.
6. To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of: a branch office that handles grain exports.
v.intr.
To act or function in a given way while in operation: a car that handles well in the snow.
n.
Idiom: 1. A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand: the handle of a suitcase; the handle of a faucet.
2. A means of understanding or control: has a handle on the situation.
3.
a. Slang A person's name.
b. An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
4. Games The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
handle (oneself)
1. To conduct oneself in a specified manner: handled herself well in the interview.
2. To be able to defend oneself or fend for oneself: Don't worry about me. I can handle myself.
[Middle English handelen, from Old English handlian.]
handle·less adj.
Synonyms: handle, manipulate, wield, ply2
These verbs mean to use or operate with or as if with the hands. Handle applies widely and suggests competence: We need workers who know how to handle power tools. The therapist handled every problem with sensitivity.
Manipulate connotes skillful or artful control: Some jets are controlled by manipulating a joystick.
When manipulate refers to people or personal affairs, it often implies deviousness or fraud in gaining an end: I realized I'd been manipulated into helping them.
Wield implies freedom, skill, ease, and effectiveness in handling physical or figurative implements: The cane cutters moved through the field, wielding their machetes. The mayor's speechwriter wields a persuasive pen.
It also connotes effectiveness in the exercise of intangibles such as authority or influence: The dictator wielded enormous power.
Ply suggests industry and persistence: The rower plied his oars in a steady rhythm.
The term also applies to the regular and diligent engagement in a task or pursuit: She plies the banker's trade with great success. See Also Synonyms at touch.
These verbs mean to use or operate with or as if with the hands. Handle applies widely and suggests competence: We need workers who know how to handle power tools. The therapist handled every problem with sensitivity.
Manipulate connotes skillful or artful control: Some jets are controlled by manipulating a joystick.
When manipulate refers to people or personal affairs, it often implies deviousness or fraud in gaining an end: I realized I'd been manipulated into helping them.
Wield implies freedom, skill, ease, and effectiveness in handling physical or figurative implements: The cane cutters moved through the field, wielding their machetes. The mayor's speechwriter wields a persuasive pen.
It also connotes effectiveness in the exercise of intangibles such as authority or influence: The dictator wielded enormous power.
Ply suggests industry and persistence: The rower plied his oars in a steady rhythm.
The term also applies to the regular and diligent engagement in a task or pursuit: She plies the banker's trade with great success. See Also Synonyms at touch.