misuse

[mis-yoos, mis-yooz]

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms: misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete.,  bad or abusive treatment.

verb (used with object)

misused, misusing 

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.

2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

verb

1. to use wrongly

2. to treat badly or harshly

3. to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Word History and Origins

Origin of misuse¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, use

Example Sentences

On Sunday, the police warned that sharing of "criminal and inflammatory" information was a misuse of social media driven by ill intentions.

From BBC

Since then, his identity appears to have been misused.

From BBC

“I view today’s decision as yet another grave misuse of our emergency docket,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Navigating the use and misuse of artificial intelligence in school is complex and confusing — especially when it comes to cheating.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked about speculation over a Labour leadership challenge, he claimed Sir Keir had "spectacularly misused his opportunity of a landslide win".

From BBC

Related Words

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• maltreatment 
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• prostitution 
• squandering www.thesaurus.com
• waste