misuse 1 of 2

noun

ˌmis-ˈyüs How to pronounce misuse (audio)
Definition of misusenext
as in abuse
incorrect or improper use the warranty for this dryer is null and void if you subject the product to deliberate misuse

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misuse

2 of 2

verb

ˌmis-ˈyüz How to pronounce misuse (audio)
1
as in to abuse
to put to a bad or improper use an actor who misused his considerable talent by appearing in too many lousy movies

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2
as in to bully
to inflict physical or emotional harm upon sadly misused by the people he had trusted

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of misuse
Noun
While the series has not yet been renewed for Season 3, Daddario, who filmed the entire season while pregnant with her first child, is ready to see how Rowan wields –– and misuses? — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025 Making the Connected Cameras feature widely available without the need for third-party apps will only make these forms of misuse. — Paul Monckton, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
Joseph Vincent Navarro, 67, faces a felony count of misusing public funds in San Mateo County Superior Court, and was scheduled for a trial setting hearing Friday. — Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Campbell, 76, was taken into custody on charges of misusing a passport on Feb. 18 at his Weed, N.M., home following a brief standoff with authorities. — Christine Pelisek, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misuse

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Cite this Entry

“Misuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misuse. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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