| catachresis |
| Definition - Using the wrong word, e.g. saying disinterested (i.e. impartial) when you want to say uninterested (i.e. not interested).
Notes: 1. As a language-change process, catachresis can also be viewed as a powerful source of creativity. |
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Etymology - The word derives from the Greek katakhresthai, misuse of a word. |
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Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation is from 1589: " Catachresis or the Figure of abuse." (Puttenham Eng. Poesie (Arb.) 190 marg.,) |
