misuse

American  

[mis-yoos, mis-yooz] / mɪsˈyus, mɪsˈyuz /

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms:

   misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete. bad or abusive treatment.

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verb (used with object)

misused, misusing

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.

2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse British  

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

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verb

1. to use wrongly

2. to treat badly or harshly

3. to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Etymology

Origin of misuse

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, use

Example Sentences

An Indian climate advocacy firm led by a prominent activist has denied allegations by authorities that it misused foreign funds to influence policy and threaten the country's energy security.

From Barron's

They can help people with assisted living, tourism, and general convenience, "but at the same time we can't have people misusing them".

From BBC

The companies have argued in various cases that speech from chatbots is protected under the First Amendment and that some users may have misused the platforms.

From The Wall Street Journal

She and other women used socks as scarves, sleeves and mittens but were threatened with fines if they continued to misuse the garments.

From Los Angeles Times

In Mississippi, authorities said several people, including a state official and nonprofit leaders, misused tens of millions of public dollars meant for needy families.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• corruption
• exploitation
• harm
• maltreatment
• mistreatment
• prostitution
• squandering
• waste