noun
improper or excessive use
Synonyms
Examples
- alcohol abuse
- the abuse of public funds
verb
apply to a wrong thing or person
Synonyms
Examples
- apply badly or incorrectly
- The words are misapplied in this context
- You are misapplying the name of this religious group
verb
change the inherent purpose or function of something
Synonyms
Examples
- Don't abuse the system
- The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers