catachresis

[kat-uh-kree-sis]

noun

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

catachresis

/ ˌkætəˈkriːsɪs, ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• catachrestic adjective
• catachrestical adjective
• catachrestically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of catachresis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of catachresis¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek katakhrēsis a misusing, from katakhrēsthai, from khrēsthai to use

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.”

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"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."

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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?

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In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least of both the words, Fortune and Fools.

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

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Related Words

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• harm 
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• prostitution 
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• waste