Misuse
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /mɪsˈjuːs/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Misuse is a noun meaning An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
Meaning
An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To use (something) incorrectly.
- (transitive) To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
- (transitive) To rape (a woman); later more generally, to sexually abuse (someone).
- (obsolete, transitive) To abuse verbally, to insult.
Example Sentences
“If that is true she would be the first case I have ever heard of, as most female captives are misused by the entire tribe.”
Socrates was brought upon the stage by Aristophanes, and misused to his face: but he laughed, as if it concerned him not […].
The Queen may be celebrating her jubilee but the Queen's English Society, which has railed against the misuse and deterioration of the English language, is to fold.
Word Forms
- misuses
- misusing
- misused
- misust
Synonyms for misuse
Depending on context, synonyms include abuse, outrage, violate, constuprate, defile, defoul.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include misapply, abuse, pervert, misapplication, mismanagement, improper.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.