misuse

nouns

improper or excessive use

"alcohol abuse"; "the abuse of public funds"

abuse, misuse

apply to a wrong thing or person; apply badly or incorrectly

"The words are misapplied in this context"; "You are misapplying the name of this religious group"

misapply, misuse

change the inherent purpose or function of something

"Don't abuse the system"; "The director of the factory misused the funds intended for the health care of his workers"

abuse, misuse, pervert