WordWeb Online

1. Apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
   "The words are misused in this context";
   - misapply
    
2. Use to one's advantage in a way that was not intended
   "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: misuses, misused, misusing

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

Encyclopedia: Misuse