misapply

They use words from the Soviet past and misapply them to the current situation.

He may mutilate or misapply the component parts of his design, but he cannot originate a whole new architectural alphabet.

Does he lose his share, by continuing to misapply the lever-power provided for him by Nature?

That which would be true in relation to one predicament, they misapply to another, to which it has no application at all.

He coupled the gift with a solemn curse and anathema upon all who should ever disturb or misapply the donation.

More frequently a later author will misapply the specific name of an older one.