misapply

[ mis-uh-plahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·ap·plied, mis·ap·ply·ing.

1. to make a wrong application or use of.

misapply

/ ˌmɪsæplɪˈkeɪʃən; ˌmɪsəˈplaɪ /

verb

1. to apply wrongly or badly
2. See misappropriate
   another word for misappropriate

Derived Forms

• misapplication, noun

Other Words From

• mis·ap·pli·ca·tion [mis-ap-li-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• misap·plier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misapply¹

First recorded in 1565–75; mis- ¹ + apply

Example Sentences

We have also explained where science has been manipulated or misapplied in the service of political agendas.

From Science News

A common concern in these situations is that family courts will favor shared custody even if one parent says the other is abusive, sometimes misapplying the law and forcing long, expensive legal battles.

From ProPublica

The recent backlash over a new book on the history of The Alamo is not about partisanship nor misapplied critical race theory.

From Washington Post

There’s no serious argument Hunter did not break the law or that it was misapplied.

From Voice of San Diego

There is now little question that Chauvin fatally misapplied the neck-restraint.

From Fortune

They use words from the Soviet past and misapply them to the current situation.

From The Daily Beast

He may mutilate or misapply the component parts of his design, but he cannot originate a whole new architectural alphabet.

From Project Gutenberg

Does he lose his share, by continuing to misapply the lever-power provided for him by Nature?

From Project Gutenberg

That which would be true in relation to one predicament, they misapply to another, to which it has no application at all.

From Project Gutenberg

He coupled the gift with a solemn curse and anathema upon all who should ever disturb or misapply the donation.

From Project Gutenberg

More frequently a later author will misapply the specific name of an older one.

From Project Gutenberg