misuse in WordNet English dictionary

1. improper or excessive use
   "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"
   misuse  abuse 
   

1. change the inherent purpose or function of something
   "Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"
   pervert  misuse  abuse 
   
2. apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
   "The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group"
   misapply  misuse