Catachrestic

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.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

catachrestic - constituting or characterized by or given to catachresis catachrestical