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

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• waste