misuse

[ noun mis-yoos; verb mis-yooz ]

noun

1. wrong or improper use; misapplication.

   Synonyms: misappropriation, misemployment

2. Obsolete. bad or abusive treatment.

verb (used with object)

, mis·used, mis·us·ing.

1. to use wrongly or improperly; misapply.
2. to treat badly or abusively; maltreat.

misuse

noun

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use

   misuse of words

2. cruel or inhumane treatment

verb

1. to use wrongly
2. to treat badly or harshly
3. to use (something, esp alcohol, drugs, etc) improperly

Word History and Origins

Origin of misuse¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; mis- ¹, use

Example Sentences

An inquest found the former electrician died from multiple drug misuse including synthetic opioids.

From BBC

A U.S. advisory panel is launching a 1-year study of how to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence to create dangerous pathogens or toxins.

From Science Magazine

As in other former Soviet countries, broad-spectrum antibiotics are sold over the counter, leading to misuse.

From Science Magazine

However, civil liberties campaigners raised concerns the powers could be misused by police and criminalise homeless people.

From BBC

Unlike some of the other medications used to treat addiction, GLP-1 analogs are not controlled substances, which have potential for misuse and partially explain providers’ discomfort behind prescribing.

From Salon

Related Words

• corruption
• exploitation
• harm
• maltreatment
• mistreatment
• prostitution
• squandering
• waste