Noah Webster
Misuse
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.