A misuse of words, i.e. to use a word violating its normal or proper sense. This can be an error, as when students confuse 'Hippocratic' and 'hypocritical', but in literary language it can be intentional and to powerful effect.
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40 words
Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Catachresis". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 November 2001 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=168, accessed 09 June 2026.]
