to misuse
Third Person
misuses
Present Participle
misusing
Past Tense
misused
Past Participle
misused
1
to use something improperly or incorrectly
transitive
- The tool was misused by the apprentice who didn't understand its proper function.
- I accidentally misused the cleaning product by using it on the wrong type of surface, resulting in damage.
- Don’t misuse your authority to take advantage of others.
- Some people unintentionally misuse words, leading to misunderstandings in communication.
- The research findings were misused to justify harmful policies.
Synonyms:
2
to corrupt the original purpose by making something serve a completely unintended end
transitive
- Criminals misused the bank's systems to launder money and evade authorities.
- Social media is often misused to spread misinformation and propaganda.
- Criminals are misusing the chemical compounds to create dangerous illicit substances.