catachresis
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
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
Vocabulary lists containing catachresis
Reading: Literature - Literary Devices & Figures of Speech - High School
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Rhetoric
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"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 Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 57, No. 352, February 1845 by Various
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 Literary Remains, Volume 2 by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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 Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least of both the words, Fortune and Fools.
From The Best of the World's Classics, Vol. V (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland III by Henry Cabot Lodge
The hyperbole and catachresis are so nearly related to a bull, that I shall dwell upon them with pleasure.
From Tales and Novels — Volume 04 by Maria Edgeworth
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