misapply

[ mis-uh-plahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·ap·plied, mis·ap·ply·ing.

1. to make a wrong application or use of.

misapply

/ ˌmɪsəˈplaɪ; ˌmɪsæplɪˈkeɪʃən /

verb

1. to apply wrongly or badly
2. another word for misappropriate

Derived Forms

• misapplication, noun

Other Words From

• mis·ap·pli·ca·tion [mis-ap-li-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• misap·plier noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misapply¹

First recorded in 1565–75; mis- ¹ + apply

Example Sentences

"The district court’s consideration of the FTC's primary claim at trial shows that the court did not misapply the law," Microsoft said.

From Reuters

“So they’re desperately trying to abuse and misapply the law … again. This is a dark moment in American history — but we won’t let them get away with it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thus, we misapply the word entitlement when we refer to government programs for the poor, who almost by definition do not own.

From Salon

“Upon my word, Emma, to hear you abusing the reason you have, is almost enough to make me think so too. Better be without sense, than misapply it as you do.”

From Literature

"Through this deception, Murdaugh was able to embezzle and/or fraudulently misapply the funds that were intended to be paid to Tony and Brian," the filing says.

From Fox News