(v) apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly, Syn. misuse, Example:The words are misapplied in this context; You are misapplying the name of this religious group
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Misapplied p. pr. & vb. n. Misapplying. ] To apply wrongly; to use for a wrong purpose; as, to misapply a name or title; to misapply public money. [ 1913 Webster ]