misused
verb (past tense)UK /ˌmɪsˈjuːzd/
US /ˌmɪsˈjuːzd/
Used something in a wrong or bad way.
He misused the scissors and cut the paper the wrong way.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Used a word or phrase in the wrong way.
She misused the word 'borrow' when she meant 'lend'.
3. Treated someone or something badly or unfairly.
The old machine was misused until it broke.
4. Used something for a purpose it was not meant for.
The ruler was misused as a hammer.