WordWeb Online

1. Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
   "The words are misused in this context"
   - misapply
    
2. Change the inherent purpose or function of something
   "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
   - pervert, abuse

1. Improper or excessive use
   "alcohol misuse"
   - abuse

Derived forms: misusing, misuses, misused

Type of: apply, employ, employment, exercise, expend, usage, use, utilisation [Brit], utilise [Brit], utilization, utilize