MISUSE, verb transitive misyu'ze. 1. To treat or use improperly; to use to a bad purpose. 2. To abuse; to treat ill. MISUSE, noun misyu'se. Ill treatment; improper use; employment to a bad purpose; as the misuse of mercies. 1. Abuse; ill treatment. 2. Wrong application; misapplication; erroneous use; as the misuse of words.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI