misapply

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to use or apply something incorrectly, or for the wrong purpose, person, or situation

   Courts must not misapply a rule written for a different kind of case.

Formed from mis- ("wrongly, badly") + apply. Apply entered English through Old French aplier from Latin applicare ("to attach or bring into contact"). Misapply therefore means to attach a rule, resource, or effort to the wrong object or purpose.

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