'Misuse' definitions:

Definition of 'misuse'

From: WordNet
noun
Improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds" [syn: misuse, abuse]
verb
Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly; "The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group" [syn: misapply, misuse]
verb
Change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers" [syn: pervert, misuse, abuse]

Definition of 'Misuse'

From: GCIDE
  • Misuse \Mis*use"\ (m[i^]s*[=u]z"), v. t. [F. m['e]suser. See Mis-, prefix from French, and Use.]
  • 1. To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to misapply; as, to misuse one's talents. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • The sweet poison of misused wine. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To abuse; to treat ill. [1913 Webster]
  • O, she misused me past the endurance of a block. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Misuse'

From: GCIDE
  • Misuse \Mis*use"\ (m[i^]s*[=u]s"), n.
  • 1. Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use. [1913 Webster]
  • Words little suspected for any such misuse. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Violence, or its effects. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'misuse'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Misuse'