misapply
/ˌmɪsəˈplaɪ/
verb
- To use something in a wrong or inappropriate way.
- She misapplied the ointment and made the rash worse.
- If you misapply the paint, it will peel off within a year.
- The manager misapplied the company's resources on unnecessary projects.
- To interpret or use a rule, principle, or idea incorrectly.
- He misapplied the safety guidelines, causing an accident.
- Students often misapply the formula when they don't understand the concept.
- The judge misapplied the statute, leading to an unfair verdict.