1. (

• misuse ,
• abuse ,

) improper or excessive use; "alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds" ;

1. (

• misapply ,
• misuse

) 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" ;

2. (

• pervert ,
• misuse ,
• abuse

) 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" ;