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catachresis

(kat′ə krē′sis)

incorrect use of a word or words, as by misapplication of terminology or by strained or mixed metaphor

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

Related Forms:

catachrestic adjective or catachrestical
catachrestically adverb

See catachresis in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. cat·a·chre·ses (-sēz)

The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean “flagrant.”
The use of a strained figure of speech, such as a mixed metaphor.

Origin:

Origin: Latin catachrēsis, improper use of a word

Origin: , from Greek katakhrēsis, excessive use

Origin: , from katakhrēsthai, to misuse

Origin: : kata-, completely; see cata-

Origin: + khrēsthai, to use; see gher-² in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

catˌa·chresˈtic (-krĕsˈtĭk), catˌa·chresˈti·cal (-tĭ-kəl) adjective

catˌa·chresˈti·cal·ly adverb

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