catachresis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 New York Times

"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 Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg