catachresis
noun
misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect.
catachrestic
-
a word derived from
catachresis.
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.
Catachresis, incorrect use of a word: My catachrestic family!
From Washington Post ● Jul. 5, 2018
OED notices this catachrestic form of "beatified" 32: All-be-devill'd Paper.
From Anti-Achitophel (1682) Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Harold Whitmore Jones
