- cat|a|chre|sis
- cat|a|chre|sis «KAT uh KREE sihs», noun, plural -ses «-seez».1. the misuse or strained use of words, as in an inconsistent metaphor.2. misuse of word elements, changing the form of a word: »
As a result of catachresis it [the suffix -ish] then acquired the meaning "having the bad qualities of' as in brutish, clownish, and foppish (Simeon Potter).
╂[< Late Latin catachrēsis < Greek katáchrēsis misuse, ultimately < kata- amiss + chrêsthai to use]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.