misfeasance

[mis-fee-zuhns]

noun

Law.

1. a wrong, actual or alleged, arising from or consisting of affirmative action.

2. the wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; the wrongful and injurious exercise of lawful authority.

misfeasance

/ mɪsˈfiːzəns /

noun

1. law the improper performance of an act that is lawful in itself Compare malfeasance nonfeasance

Other Word Forms

• misfeasor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfeasance¹

From the Anglo-French word mesfesance, dating back to 1590–1600. See mis- ¹, feasance

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfeasance¹

C16: from Old French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to perform misdeeds

Example Sentences

This prompted lawyers handling the class action to appeal the original settlement, and demand further compensation due to "misfeasance in public office".

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Salmond, who died of a heart attack in October 2024 while attending a conference in North Macedonia, was suing the government for misfeasance - a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

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Claims for negligence and misfeasance in public office were advanced as part of wider actions against the PSNI, Home Office and Department of Health.

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The former first minster has sued the government for misfeasance – a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

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Mr More sued the Metropolitan Police for compensation for misfeasance in public office and for false imprisonment.

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