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

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

In such effulgences of luxury and scenic grandeur, how sad an attendant is Black Care,—nay foul misusage, not to be borne by human nature!

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 07 by Carlyle, Thomas

The tears start from his eyes, his throat rebels at its misusage, his big red handkerchief comes out.

From David Lockwin—The People's Idol by McGovern, John