misfeasance

noun mis·fea·sance \mis-ˈfē-z^ən(t)s\

Definition of MISFEASANCE

: trespass; specifically : the performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner

— mis·fea·sor \-ˈfē-zər, -ˌzȯr\ noun

Middle French mesfaisance, from mesfaire to do wrong, from mes- mis- + faire to make, do, from Latin facere — more at do

First Known Use: 1596

Next Word in the Dictionary: misfire (verb)Previous Word in the Dictionary: misesteemAll Words Near: misfeasance

What made you want to look up misfeasance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears