misuse
Noun · VerbUS[mis-yooz]/mɪsˈjuz/2 syllablesalso [mis-yoos] /mɪsˈjus/
Open English WordNet
Verb (2)misused
- apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly“The words are misapplied in this context”“You are misapplying the name of this religious group”Synonyms: misapplyMore general use, utilize
- change the inherent purpose or function of something“Don't abuse the system”“The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers”Synonyms: pervertabuseMore general consume, eat upMore specific fracture, take in vain
Noun (1)
- improper or excessive use“alcohol abuse”“the abuse of public funds”Synonyms: abuseType of use, usageKinds substance abuse, drug abuse
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Mis·use′ (mĭs-ūz′), transitive verb
Origin: F. mésuser. See Mis-, prefix from French, and Use.
1. To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to misapply; as, to misuse one's talents. Robert South
The sweet poison of misused wine.— John Milton
2. To abuse; to treat ill.
O, she misused me past the endurance of a block.— William Shakespeare
Synonyms: To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply.
Mis·use′ (mĭs-ūs′), noun
1. Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use.
Words little suspected for any such misuse.— John Locke
2. Violence, or its effects. obsolete William Shakespeare
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54