Misuse means to use something incorrectly or for the wrong purpose. When you misuse a hammer by trying to turn a screw with it, you're using the wrong tool for the job. When someone misuses a word in their writing, they've confused it with a similar word or used it in the wrong context.

Misuse often involves knowing how something should work but choosing to use it differently anyway. A student might misuse classroom supplies by turning glue sticks into toys. A scientist who misuses research funds by spending grant money on personal items is breaking trust and violating the terms of the grant.

The word implies that proper use exists and matters. You can misuse medicine by taking more than prescribed. You can misuse your time by procrastinating on important work. You can misuse power by bullying others instead of helping them.

Misuse differs from abuse, which suggests more serious harm or cruelty. Misuse might be careless or thoughtless, while abuse is deliberate and harmful. Both words remind us that tools, privileges, and opportunities come with responsibility to use them properly.