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misuse

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misuse

Main Entry:: ¹mis·use
Pronunciation:: \-ˈyüz\
Function:: transitive verb
Etymology:: Middle English, partly from mis- + usen to use; partly from Middle French mesuser to abuse, from Old French, from mes- + user to use
Date:: 14th century

1 : to use incorrectly : misapply <misused his talents> 2 : abuse , mistreat <misused his servants>

— mis·us·er noun

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