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.
V.—I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical, and prefer synedoche.
From Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884. A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside 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 Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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
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
You must listen to the definition of a catachresis:—'A catachresis is the boldest of any trope.
From Tales and Novels — Volume 04 by Maria Edgeworth
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
