What is the meaning of misuse?

noun

  • Improper or excessive use.
    • usage: "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"

verb

  • Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly.
    • usage: "The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group"
  • Change the inherent purpose or function of something.
    • usage: "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
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APAWordNet. (2010). Misuse. Retrieved September 21, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/misuse/definitions/1192794
ChicagoWordNet. 2010. "Misuse" http://smartdefine.org/misuse/definitions/1192794 (accessed September 21, 2026).
HarvardWordNet 2010, Misuse, Smart Define, viewed 21 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/misuse/definitions/1192794>.
MLAWordNet. "Misuse" 23 October 2010. Web. 21 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/misuse/definitions/1192794>
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