catachresis

[ kat-uh-kree-sis ]

noun

1. misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect.

catachresis

/ ˌkætəˈkriːsɪs; ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk /

noun

1. the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious

Derived Forms

• catachrestic, adjective
• ˌcataˈchrestically, adverb

Other Words From

• cat·a·chres·tic [kat-, uh, -, kres, -tik], cata·chresti·cal adjective
• cata·chresti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of catachresis¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin catachrēsis, from Greek katáchrēsis “a misuse or misapplication of a word or phrase” (derivative of katachrêsthai “to misuse”), equivalent to kata- verb prefix implying waste or consumption + chrêsis “use” (noun derivative of chrê(sthai) “to use, need”) + -sis verbal abstract noun suffix. See cata-, -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of catachresis¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek katakhrēsis a misusing, from katakhrēsthai, from khrēsthai to use

Example Sentences

No expression so terse and yet so striking could dispense with the classicism and the catachresis of "stoically."

From Project Gutenberg

In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least, of both the words, fortune and fools.

From Project Gutenberg

In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least of both the words, Fortune and Fools.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet, after a vast deal of such like catachresis, the orthodoxy of plagiarism remains still in dispute.

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that might be taken by catachresis to designate a chamberlain as functionary of the Oriental Court.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• corruption
• exploitation
• harm
• maltreatment
• mistreatment
• prostitution
• squandering
• waste