catachresis

cat·a·chre·sis  (kt-krss)

n. pl. cat·a·chre·ses (-sz)

1. The misapplication of a word or phrase, as the use of blatant to mean "flagrant."

2. The use of a strained figure of speech, such as a mixed metaphor.

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[Latin catachrsis, improper use of a word, from Greek katakhrsis, excessive use, from katakhrsthai, to misuse : kata-, completely; see cata- + khrsthai, to use; see gher-² in Indo-European roots.]

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cata·chrestic (-krstk), cata·chresti·cal (-t-kl) adj.

cata·chresti·cal·ly adv.

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catachresis [ˌkætəˈkriːsɪs]

n

(Linguistics) the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious

[from Latin, from Greek katakhrēsis a misusing, from katakhrēsthai, from khrēsthai to use]

catachrestic  [ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk], catachrestical adj

catachrestically  adv

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

catachresis - strained or paradoxical use of words either in error (as `blatant' to mean `flagrant') or deliberately (as in a mixed metaphor: `blind mouths') rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)