misuse

UK: noun: /ˌmɪsˈjuːs/, verb: /ˌmɪsˈjuːz/

US: /n. mɪsˈjus; v. -ˈjuz/

US: (n. mis yo̅o̅s′; v. mis yo̅o̅z′)

Inflections of 'misuse' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

misuses

v 3rd person singular

misusing

v pres p

misused

v past

misused

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

mis•use /n. mɪsˈyus; v. -ˈyuz/   n., v., -used, -us•ing. 
n. 

1. wrong or improper use:
   [uncountable] The principal was dismissed for misuse of school funds.
   [countable] a misuse of the word "appropriately.''

v. [~ + object]

2. to use incorrectly:
   to misuse a word.
3. to treat harmfully;
   mistreat:
   to misuse a friend.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mis•use  (n. mis yo̅o̅s′;v. mis yo̅o̅z′), n., v., -used, -us•ing. 
n. 

1. wrong or improper use;
   misapplication.
2. [Obs.] bad or abusive treatment.

v.t. 

3. to use wrongly or improperly;
   misapply.
4. to treat badly or abusively;
   maltreat.

• 1350–1400; Middle English; see mis-¹, use

Synonyms

• 1. . misemployment, misappropriation.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

misuse noun / ˌmɪsˈjuːs/
also: misusage

1. erroneous, improper, or unorthodox use: misuse of words
2. cruel or inhumane treatment

verb / ˌmɪsˈjuːz/(transitive)

1. to use wrongly
2. to treat badly or harshly