English

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Etymology

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From mis- +‎ application.

Noun

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misapplication (countable and uncountable, plural misapplications)

  1. The misuse of something, incorrectly using (applying) something, a wrong application.
    Trying to open a paint can with a chisel is a misapplication of the tool.
    • 2012 April 19, Josh Halliday, “Free speech haven or lawless cesspool – can the internet be civilised?”, in the Guardian[1]:
      Julia Farrington, head of arts at Index on Censorship, argues that extra powers to ban violent videos online will "end up too broad and open to misapplication, which would damage freedom of expression".