Misuse

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mɪsˈjuːs/

mis- + use (noun)

Full definition of misuse

Noun

1. An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something.
• 2012, June 4, Lewis Smith, Queen's English Society says enuf is enough, innit?, 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.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mɪsˈjuːz/

From mis- + use (verb)

Verb

1. (transitive) To use (something) incorrectly.
2. (transitive) To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
3. (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 ....