(v. t.) To apply wrongly; to use for a wrong purpose; as, to misapply a name or title; to misapply public money.

abuse argue insincerely befoul contort convert debase defalcate defile desecrate distort divert do amiss embezzle foul garble get one wrong get wrong gloss maladminister misapprehend misappropriate miscall miscite misconceive misconduct misconstrue miscount misdeal misdeem misdirect misemploy misexplain misexplicate misexpound misfield mishandle misinterpret misjudge mismanage misplay misprint misquote misread misrender misreport misspell mistake mistranslate misunderstand misuse paralogize peculate pervert pilfer pollute profane prostitute rationalize reason ill squeeze strain the sense torture twist the words violate wrench