Associations to the word «Misuse»

Wiktionary

MISUSE, noun. An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
MISUSE, verb. (transitive) To use (something) incorrectly.
MISUSE, verb. (transitive) To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
MISUSE, verb. (obsolete) (transitive) To abuse verbally, to insult.

Dictionary definition

MISUSE, noun. Improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds".
MISUSE, verb. Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly; "The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group".
MISUSE, verb. Change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers".

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats