misplace

[mis-pleys]

verb (used with object)

misplaced, misplacing 

1. to put in a wrong place.

2. to put in a place afterward forgotten; lose; mislay.

3. to place or bestow improperly, unsuitably, or unwisely.

   to misplace one's trust.

   Synonyms: misapply

misplace

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪs /

verb

1. to put (something) in the wrong place, esp to lose (something) temporarily by forgetting where it was placed; mislay

2. (often passive) to bestow (trust, confidence, affection, etc) unadvisedly

Other Word Forms

• misplacement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misplace¹

First recorded in 1545–55; mis- ¹ + place

Synonym Study

See displace.

Example Sentences

Bailey seized on the fight as evidence of what he called the Hazelwood School District’s misplaced priorities.

From Salon

But, both players and coaches have noted recently, their efforts this year have sometimes felt misplaced.

From Los Angeles Times

When I shared this story with a friend, she gave a small, sympathetic hoot and said, “Do you want to hear how many times I’ve misplaced my phone this week?”

From Salon

The SNP MSP said "genuine but misplaced" public concerns about immigration had been ignored by politicians.

From BBC

He used to keep the passport in his underwear drawer to make sure he never misplaced it in the clutter of our home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confuse 
• disorganize 
• disturb 
• unsettle