misplace

American  

[mis-pleys] / mɪsˈpleɪs /

verb (used with object)

misplaced, misplacing

1. to put in a wrong place.

2. to put in a place afterward forgotten; lose; mislay.

3. to place or bestow improperly, unsuitably, or unwisely.

   to misplace one's trust.

   Synonyms:

   misapply

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misplace British  

/ ˌmɪsˈpleɪs /

verb

1. to put (something) in the wrong place, esp to lose (something) temporarily by forgetting where it was placed; mislay

2. (often passive) to bestow (trust, confidence, affection, etc) unadvisedly

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Related Words

See displace.

Other Word Forms

• misplacement noun

Etymology

Origin of misplace

First recorded in 1545–55; mis- ¹ + place

Example Sentences

“Users may misinterpret AI-generated content as expert guidance,” they wrote, “potentially resulting in delayed treatment, inappropriate self-care, or misplaced trust in non-validated information.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s completely unnecessary, a misplaced effort to sound more important rather than to do some “real work” and—I don’t know—make a decision?

From The Wall Street Journal

Counsel for Nottingham City Council added staff from the authority who also accessed information about the case did so out of "misplaced professional curiosity and concerns given the nature of the events".

From BBC

"This case must now proceed through the justice system unimpeded by misplaced public comment and speculation, to allow a fair trial," he said.

From BBC

When she is at prayer in their hotel room, he barges in to ask about a misplaced item.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confuse
• disorganize
• disturb
• unsettle