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View synonyms for

catachresis

[ kat-uh-kree-sis ]

noun

  1. misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect.


catachresis

/ ˌkætəˈkriːsɪs; ˌkætəˈkrɛstɪk /

noun

  1. the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • catachrestic, adjective
  • ˌٲˈپ, adverb
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Other yvlog Forms

  • ···پ [kat-, uh, -, kres, -tik], a·t· adjective
  • a·t··ly adverb
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of catachresis1

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin ٲŧ, from Greek 첹áŧ “a misuse or misapplication of a word or phrase” (derivative of 첹ٲêٳ󲹾 “to misuse”), equivalent to kata- verb prefix implying waste or consumption + ê “use” (noun derivative of ê(ٳ󲹾) “to use, need”) + -sis verbal abstract noun suffix. See cata-, -sis
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of catachresis1

C16: from Latin, from Greek 첹ٲŧ a misusing, from 첹ٲŧٳ󲹾, from ŧٳ󲹾 to use
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Wellman wrote the play in 2004, possibly as a riff on a word he loves, “catachresis,” which means the misuse of language, but also sounds a lot like “cat crisis.”

From

"The fury of his fancy often transported him beyond the bounds of judgment, either in coining of new words and phrases, or racking words which were in use, into the violence of catachresis."

From

As to “twinn'd stones”—may it not be a bold catachresis for muscles, cockles, and other empty shells with hinges, which are truly twinned?

From

In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or a catachresis at least of both the words, Fortune and Fools.

From

V.—I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical, and prefer synedoche.

From

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