misuse
    n 1: improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of
         public funds" [syn: misuse, abuse]
    v 1: apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or
         incorrectly; "The words are misapplied in this context";
         "You are misapplying the name of this religious group"
         [syn: misapply, misuse]
    2: change the inherent purpose or function of something; "Don't
       abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the
       funds intended for the health care of his workers" [syn:
       pervert, misuse, abuse]

Misuse \Mis*use"\ (m[i^]s*[=u]z"), v. t. [F. m['e]suser. See
   Mis-, prefix from French, and Use.]
   1. To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose; to
      misapply; as, to misuse one's talents. --South.
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            The sweet poison of misused wine.     --Milton.
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   2. To abuse; to treat ill.
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            O, she misused me past the endurance of a block.
                                                  --Shak.
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   Syn: To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply.
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Misuse \Mis*use"\ (m[i^]s*[=u]s"), n.
   1. Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use.
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            Words little suspected for any such misuse. --Locke.
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   2. Violence, or its effects. [Obs.] --Shak.
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