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

Expressing his "disappointment over what happened", Reina said "images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited".

From BBC

It said the cardinal "distances himself from Monsignor Micheletti's statements and expresses his disappointment over what happened" and stated its "commitment to the protection of its artistic and spiritual heritage" against misuse or exploitation.

From BBC

Maybe yesterday was all a dream, or maybe the power has left me since I misused it?

From Literature

He added that while he cannot "physically stop them", he wanted people to know they are misusing it.

From BBC

But concerns over misuse of treaties to evade tax and litigations have persisted for years.

From BBC

Related Words

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