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

When a larger group of judges reviewed the decision, some found that the smaller panel had misapplied the law — but they were overruled.

From Los Angeles Times

Yoo’s record reminds us that the law can be misapplied and used as an enabler, rather than as a restraint on unlawful power.

From Salon

The reason for this swirl of intrigue is a new state law aimed at safeguarding the rights of juvenile suspects, which may have been misapplied.

From Seattle Times

“Families were divided by misapplied immigration policies and discriminatory immigration policies specifically geared toward indigenous people, Mexican Americans, Latinos,” said Joaquin Sanchez, Noelia’s son, who is now an immigration attorney in Chicago.

From Seattle Times

She refused in a 14-page opinion issued Tuesday, writing that Urmanski failed to show how she misapplied state law or made any other mistake and declared that the plaintiffs had won the suit.

From Seattle Times