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catachresis

 - 2 dictionary results

cat⋅a⋅chre⋅sis

  [kat-uh-kree-sis]
Use catachresis in a Sentence
–noun
misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect.
Origin:
1580–90; < L < Gk: a misuse (akin to katachrêsthai to misuse), equiv. to kata- cata- + chrêsis use (chrê(sthai) to use, need + -sis -sis )

Related forms:
cat⋅a⋅chres⋅tic  [kat-uh-kres-tik] , cat⋅a⋅chres⋅ti⋅cal, adjective
cat⋅a⋅chres⋅ti⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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cat·a·chre·sis   (kāt'ə-krē'sĭs)   
n.   pl. cat·a·chre·ses (-sēz)

  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.


[Latin catachrēsis, improper use of a word, from Greek katakhrēsis, excessive use, from katakhrēsthai, to misuse : kata-, completely; see cata- + khrēsthai, to use; see gher-2 in Indo-European roots.]
cat'a·chres'tic (-krěs'tĭk), cat'a·chres'ti·cal (-tĭ-kəl) adj., cat'a·chres'ti·cal·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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