incorrect use of a word or words, as by misapplication of terminology or by strained or mixed metaphor
Derived forms
catachrestic (ˌcataˈchrestic) (ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk)
adjective or ˌcataˈchrestical
catachrestically (ˌcataˈchrestically)
adverb
Word origin
L < Gr katachrēsis, misuse of a word < katachrēsthai < kata-, against + chrēsthai, to use < chrē, it is necessary < ? IE *ĝhrē-, var. of base *ĝher-, small, be lacking