misrule

[ mis-rool ]

noun

1. bad or unwise rule; misgovernment.
2. disorder or lawlessness.

verb (used with object)

, mis·ruled, mis·rul·ing.

1. to misgovern.

misrule

/ ˌmɪsˈruːl /

verb

1. tr to govern inefficiently or without humanity or justice

noun

1. inefficient or inhumane government
2. disorder

Other Words From

• mis·ruler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misrule¹

1300–50; Middle English misreulen (v.), misreule (noun). See mis- ¹, rule

Example Sentences

The widespread mocking of fuel prices served to create a middle-class “common sense” that the UPA was a time of exceptional misrule and corruption.

From Quartz

A decade ago, Afghans were exhausted by years of war and misrule.

From The Daily Beast

Pan and Dionysos: the gods of sensual misrule were his muses.

From The Daily Beast

I find that some captains have begun to give money at the next port, instead of permitting this day of misrule.

From Project Gutenberg

With the Bourbons it was hoped a better era had opened, but it was only exchanging one form of misrule for another.

From Project Gutenberg

It was from no ill-will towards the Church that he did something to repair the ecclesiastical misrule.

From Project Gutenberg

They already furnish an exhilarating example of the difference between free governments and despotic misrule.

From Project Gutenberg

We have no "lords of misrule" now; or, if we have, they are of a much less innocent and pacific character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anarchy
• lawlessness