misus

v. t. [ F. mésuser. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The sweet poison of misused wine. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To abuse; to treat ill. [ 1913 Webster ]

O, she misused me past the endurance of a block. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To maltreat; abuse; misemploy; misapply. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Wrong use; misapplication; erroneous or improper use. [ 1913 Webster ]

Words little suspected for any such misuse. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Violence, or its effects. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Misuse. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]