Misuse (Verb)
Meaning 1
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".
Classification
Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
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".
Classification
Verbs of eating and drinking.
Examples
- The scientist's data was misused in the article to support a false claim.
- Misusing the term "clinically proven" in their advertisement was misleading to consumers.
- The teacher pointed out that the student had misused the scientific formula in the equation.
- Many people misuse the phrase "I could care less" when trying to express indifference.
- A common mistake is to misuse the word "who's" instead of "whom" in formal writing.