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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] cat′a·chrestic (-krĕstĭk), cat′a·chresti·cal (-tĭ-kəl) adj. cat′a·chresti·cal·ly adv. |
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