misuse

verb
UK: /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/
US: /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/

  1. To use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.

    1. Don't misuse the stapler; it's not a toy.
    2. The company was accused of misuse of funds intended for employee benefits.

  2. To treat someone badly or unfairly.

    1. He didn't misuse his dog, he treats him very good.
    2. The report detailed the systematic misuse of prisoners by the guards at the facility.

Synonyms

abuse exploit ill-treat pervert
misuse noun

  1. The action of using something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose.

    1. That's a misuse; you're doing it wrong.
    2. There has been some misuse of the equipment, resulting in damage.

  2. The act of treating someone badly or unfairly.

    1. His misuse made her very upset.
    2. The organization works to prevent the misuse of power by government officials.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "misuse" in English means: To use something in the wrong way or for the wrong purpose., To treat someone badly or unfairly..

The phonetic transcription of "misuse" is /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/ in British English and /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "misuse": abuse, exploit, ill-treat, pervert.

Example usage of "misuse": "Don't misuse the stapler; it's not a toy.". More examples on the page.