misapply

American  

[mis-uh-plahy] / ˌmɪs əˈplaɪ /

verb (used with object)

misapplied, misapplying

1. to make a wrong application or use of.

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misapply British  

/ ˌmɪsəˈplaɪ, ˌmɪsæplɪˈkeɪʃən /

verb

1. to apply wrongly or badly

2. another word for misappropriate

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Other Word Forms

• misapplication noun
• misapplier noun

Etymology

Origin of misapply

First recorded in 1565–75; mis- ¹ + apply

Example Sentences

"The district court’s consideration of the FTC's primary claim at trial shows that the court did not misapply the law," Microsoft said.

From Reuters • Jul. 14, 2023

"Through this deception, Murdaugh was able to embezzle and/or fraudulently misapply the funds that were intended to be paid to Tony and Brian," the filing says.

From Fox News • Sep. 28, 2021

Legal scholars say the Founding Fathers, who were themselves accused of treason by the British, sought to clearly articulate it because they knew the potential to misapply it to legitimate dissent.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 12, 2021

How appropriate on the Ides of March that George F. Will should misapply a classical reference.

From Washington Post • Mar. 27, 2020

“Upon my word, Emma, to hear you abusing the reason you have, is almost enough to make me think so too. Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen