catachresis

American  

[kat-uh-kree-sis] / ˌkæt əˈkri sɪs /

noun

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

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catachresis British  

/ ˌkætəˈkriːsɪs, ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• catachrestic adjective
• catachrestical adjective
• catachrestically adverb

Etymology

Origin of catachresis

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

Example Sentences

Wellman wrote the play in 2004, possibly as a riff on a word he loves, “catachresis,” which means the misuse of language, but also sounds a lot like “cat crisis.”

From New York Times

"The fury of his fancy often transported him beyond the bounds of judgment, either in coining of new words and phrases, or racking words which were in use, into the violence of catachresis."

From Project Gutenberg

As to “twinn'd stones”—may it not be a bold catachresis for muscles, cockles, and other empty shells with hinges, which are truly twinned?

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

V.—I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical, and prefer synedoche.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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