handle-v; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: touch or hold with the hands

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent[human]] HANDLE NP2[patient[concrete]]

Examples:
Don't handle the merchandise.
Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.
He always followed proper ettiquette when he handled the flag.
On the first day you bring your new pet home, encourage children not to handle the cat.
Until she was old enough to keep things out of her mouth, she was not allowed to handle the turtle.

Mappings:
VerbNet: hold-15.1-1
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: handle.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 2: effectively manage or deal with a situation, concept, or people

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[experiencer[animate[human]]] HANDLE NP2
NOTE: NP1 implies human agent or organization (such as an author or corporation)
NOTE: NP2 is often abstract

Examples:
You can't handle the truth!
Speaking with a counselor helped the children to handle their parents' divorce.
She isn't handling the passing of her mother very well.
Please handle the reporters gently.
This book handles the subject of incest very carefully.
Northwest says it can handle the mechanics' strike.
You have to handle the students with kid gloves.
I'll call after the trip to let you know how the cat handled the flight.

Mappings:
VerbNet: confront-98
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: handle.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2, 3
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
handle_with_kid_gloves 1

Sense Number 3: effectively wield or manipulate a concrete entity

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1 HANDLE NP2[patient[inanimate[concrete]]]
NOTE: What is being handled is a concrete, tangible object and is not human or abstract

Examples:
This blender doesn't handle nuts.
He knows how to handle power tools safely.
This hockey player can really handle the puck.
This snowblower simply isn't built to handle 10 inches of wet snow on a long driveway.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: handle.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 4: show and train

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[agent[human]] HANDLE NP2
NOTE: NP2 is an animal

Examples:
Do you wish to use a handler to show your dog or handle him or her yourself?
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott.
If it is important to you to handle your own show dog.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6