misbehave
verb C2
Plain meaning
to behave badly or break rules
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to behave badly or break rules, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to misbehave the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should misbehave ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
misbehave a proposalmisbehave the issuemisbehave in practice
Watch out
Do not use “misbehave” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
misbehaveing (verb form)misbehaveed (past/participle, where regular)