misuse

[mis-yoos, mis-yooz]

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms: misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete.,  bad or abusive treatment.

verb (used with object)

misused, misusing 

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.

2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

verb

1. to use wrongly

2. to treat badly or harshly

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of misuse¹

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

Example Sentences

Asked about speculation over a Labour leadership challenge, he claimed Sir Keir had "spectacularly misused his opportunity of a landslide win".

From BBC

Reform has criticised the process, with Tice branding it a "systemic misuse of taxpayers' money" in a letter to Bailey in June.

From BBC

Though the claim was never verified and the politician later denied that his family had misused state resources, Aditya's mind was made up.

From BBC

Sultana said that at "no point was members' data misused or put at risk" and that "all funds received from members were ringfenced and protected in the appropriate manner".

From BBC

It’s about misusing government power to go after enemies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corruption 
• exploitation 
• harm 
• maltreatment 
• mistreatment www.thesaurus.com
• prostitution 
• squandering www.thesaurus.com
• waste