Definition: improper or excessive use
Usage: alcohol abuse; the abuse of public funds
Main entry: abuse, misuse, pervert
Definition: change the inherent purpose or function of something
Usage: Don't abuse the system; The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers
Definition: apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly
Usage: The words are misapplied in this context; You are misapplying the name of this religious group