misfeasance

[ mis-fee-zuhns ]

noun

, Law.

1. a wrong, actual or alleged, arising from or consisting of affirmative action.
2. the wrongful performance of a normally lawful act; the wrongful and injurious exercise of lawful authority.

misfeasance

/ mɪsˈfiːzəns /

noun

1. law the improper performance of an act that is lawful in itself Compare malfeasance nonfeasance

Derived Forms

• misˈfeasor, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfeasance¹

From the Anglo-French word mesfesance, dating back to 1590–1600. See mis- ¹, feasance

Word History and Origins

Origin of misfeasance¹

C16: from Old French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to perform misdeeds

Example Sentences

The former first minster has sued the government for misfeasance – a civil law term that means the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

From BBC

Mr More sued the Metropolitan Police for compensation for misfeasance in public office and for false imprisonment.

From BBC

Mr Heenan's widow Mary took legal action against the MoD and Sir Frank, claiming her husband died because of negligence and misfeasance in office.

From BBC

Last month, Mr Salmond launched a fresh legal case alleging misfeasance - the wrongful exercise of lawful authority - by civil servants involved in handling harassment complaints against him.

From BBC

Last week, he lodged a Court of Session petition alleging misfeasance - the wrongful exercise of lawful authority - by civil servants.

From BBC