English Dictionary

Definition of “misuse”

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misuse

Definitions

noun

misusage

erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use ⇒ misuse of words
cruel or inhumane treatment

verb

(tr)

to use wrongly
to treat badly or harshly
to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= waste, embezzlement, squandering, dissipation, fraudulent use misemployment misusage

= abuse, corruption, exploitation,

= misapplication, abuse, illegal use wrong use

= perversion, distortion, desecration, profanation,

= misapplication, solecism, malapropism, catachresis,

= mistreatment, abuse, harm, exploitation, injury, manhandling, ill-treatment, maltreatment, rough handling inhumane treatment cruel treatment ill-usage

= abuse, misapply, misemploy prostitute,

= waste, squander, dissipate, embezzle, misappropriate,

= mistreat, abuse, injure, harm, exploit, wrong, molest, manhandle, ill-treat, brutalize, maltreat, ill-use, handle roughly

= profane, corrupt, desecrate, pervert,

Usage examples

`You must understand your powers, Leigh, so you don't misuse them.
Andrews, Virginia, Web of Dreams (1990)
The findings are communicated to healthcare and law enforcement professionals without encouraging or condoning drug misuse.
British Medical Journal (2002)
The doctor was trying to educate readers about misuse - whether deliberate or unintentional)
Toronto Sun (2003)
A further, broader offence of ` misuse of public office" has also been mooted.
Independent (1998)
Bernard's behaviour to his two sons is almost a classic example of how a parent can misuse his dynastic power.
Bethune, Helen, Positive Parent Power (1991)

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