misuse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun improper or excessive use
    abuse.
    • alcohol abuse
    • the abuse of public funds
  2. verb apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
    misapply.
    • The words are misapplied in this context
    • You are misapplying the name of this religious group
  3. verb change the inherent purpose or function of something
    pervert; abuse.
    • Don't abuse the system
    • The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers

WordNet

Mis*use" transitive verb
Etymology
F. mésuser. See Mis-, prefix from French, and Use.
Definitions
  1. To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to misapply; as, to misuse one's talents. South.
    The sweet poison of misused wine. Milton.
  2. To abuse; to treat ill.
    O, she misused me past the endurance of a block. Shak.
    Syn. -- To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply.
Mis*use" noun
Definitions
  1. Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use.
    Words little suspected for any such misuse. Locke.
  2. Violence, or its effects. Obs. Shak.

Webster 1913