misplace

[mis-pleys]

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

misplace

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• misplacement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misplace¹

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

Synonym Study

See displace.

Example Sentences

The headlines that tie business development companies’ stock declines to overextension are misplaced.

Read more on Barron's

Despite the risks of fire, water damage, or simply being misplaced, it's still a genuinely durable way of passing down memories through the generations.

Read more on BBC

Has there been an institutional lack of curiosity, or a misplaced deference, in finding out about Andrew's activities?

Read more on BBC

The insertions of social criticism seem especially misplaced, because the core of this compact novel is so tough and powerful.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Worries of a rising AI bubble in the stock market, leading to a financial crisis like the one seen in 2008-09, are misplaced, experts said.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• confuse 
• disorganize 
• disturb 
• unsettle