misconstrue Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb interpret in the wrong way
misinterpret; misunderstand; misconceive; be amiss; misapprehend.
- Don't misinterpret my comments as criticism
- She misconstrued my remarks

imperfect & past participle Misconstrued ; present participle & verbal noun Misconstruing

To construe wrongly; to interpret erroneously.
Do not, great sir, misconstrue his intent. Dryden.

Much afflicted to find his actions misconstrued. Addison.