misuse
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology 1 [edit]
Pronunciation [edit]
- IPA: /mɪsˈjuːs/
Noun [edit]
misuse (plural misuses)
- An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
- 2012 June 4, Lewis Smith, “Queen's English Society says enuf is enough, innit?”, the Guardian:
- 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.
- 2012 June 4, Lewis Smith, “Queen's English Society says enuf is enough, innit?”, the Guardian:
Translations [edit]
incorrect, improper or unlawful use
Etymology 2 [edit]
From mis- + use (verb)
Pronunciation [edit]
- IPA: /mɪsˈjuːz/
Verb [edit]
misuse (third-person singular simple present misuses, present participle misusing, simple past and past participle misused)
- (transitive) To use (something) incorrectly.
- (transitive) To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
- (obsolete, transitive) To abuse verbally, to insult.
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.3.7:
- Socrates was brought upon the stage by Aristophanes, and misused to his face: but he laughed, as if it concerned him not [...].
- 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.3.7:
Translations [edit]
to use something incorrectly
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