2 entries under this word

Misuse

Mis-ūse', v. t.

verbtransitive

(mis-yūz'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. MISUSED; p. pr. & vb. n. MISUSING.] [Eng. mis and use; Fr. mésuser.]

To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to misapply. “The corrupt practices of the papacy in . . . misusing religion.” South.
To abuse; to treat ill.

Syn.—To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply.

Mis-ūse’, n.

noun

(mis-yūs’), n. 1. Wrong or incorrect application or use; misapplication; erroneous use. “Words little suspected of any such misuse.” Locke. 2. Employment to a bad purpose; morally wrong use; abuse. “Lest he [God] should punish the misuse of our mercies, by stopping the course of them.” Atterbury.