Catachresis Definition
kătə-krēsĭs
catachreses
noun
The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean “flagrant.”
American Heritage
Incorrect use of a word or words, as by misapplication of terminology or by strained or mixed metaphor.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Catachresis
Noun
Singular:
catachresis
Plural:
catachresesOrigin of Catachresis
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Latin catachrēsis improper use of a word from Greek katakhrēsis excessive use from katakhrēsthai to misuse kata- completely cata– khrēsthai to use gher-2 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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From Latin catachrēsis, from Ancient Greek κατάχρησις (katakhrēsis, “misuse (of a word)”), from καταχρῆσθαι (katakhrēsthai, “to misuse”), from κατά (kata, “pervertedly”) + χρῆσθαι (khrēsthai, “to use”).
From Wiktionary
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