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Misuse

//mɪsˈjuːs// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An incorrect, improper or unlawful use of something. countable, uncountable

    "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."

  2. 2
    improper or excessive use wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To use (something) incorrectly. transitive
  2. 2
    change the inherent purpose or function of something wordnet
  3. 3
    To abuse or mistreat (something or someone). transitive
  4. 4
    apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly wordnet
  5. 5
    To rape (a woman); later more generally, to sexually abuse (someone). transitive

    "“If that is true she would be the first case I have ever heard of, as most female captives are misused by the entire tribe.”"

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  1. 6
    To abuse verbally, to insult. obsolete, transitive

    "Socrates was brought upon the stage by Aristophanes, and misused to his face: but he laughed, as if it concerned him not […]."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From mis- + use (noun).

Etymology 2

From mis- + use (verb).

See also for "misuse"

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