misuse

misuse · noun¹

From mis- + use (noun).

misuse · verb²

From mis- + use (verb).

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. To use (something) incorrectly.
• from 14th c. To abuse or mistreat (something or someone).
• from 14th c. To rape (a woman); later more generally, to sexually abuse (someone).
• 16th–17th c. To abuse verbally, to insult.