English noun: misuse | |||
1. | misuse (act) improper or excessive use | ||
Samples | Alcohol abuse. The abuse of public funds. | ||
Synonyms | abuse | ||
Broader (hypernym) | employment, exercise, usage, use, utilisation, utilization | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | drug abuse, habit, substance abuse | ||
English verb: misuse | |||
1. | misuse (consumption) apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly | ||
Samples | The words are misapplied in this context. You are misapplying the name of this religious group. | ||
Synonyms | misapply | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | apply, employ, use, utilise, utilize | ||
2. | misuse (change) change the inherent purpose or function of something | ||
Samples | Don't abuse the system. The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers. | ||
Synonyms | abuse, pervert | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s something | ||
Broader (hypernym) | expend, use | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | fracture, take in vain | ||