misusage

American  

[mis-yoo-sij, -zij] / mɪsˈyu sɪdʒ, -zɪdʒ /

noun

1. wrong or improper usage, as of words.

2. bad or abusive treatment.

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Etymology

Origin of misusage

First recorded in 1525–35; mis- ¹ + usage

Example Sentences

This misusage is now ubiquitous in reporting about the novel coronavirus outbreak in China, but the media have been abusing it for decades in all manner of contexts.

From Washington Post • Feb. 21, 2020

And if enough people misuse a term for long enough, the misusage becomes usage.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2014

He had been grossly misused on the occasion, and had escaped from such misusage by the only means in his power.

From Mr. Scarborough's Family by Trollope, Anthony

Misuse -- N. misuse, misusage, misemployment†, misapplication, misappropriation. abuse, profanation, prostitution, desecration; waste &c.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark

Paddy and Jem, now seemingly quite recovered from their misusage of Sunday, stood back of the group with eyes and mouths open, gazing upon me with an admiration I could not but appreciate.

From The O'Ruddy A Romance by Williams, C. D. (Charles D.)