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Definition of misrule

misrule

/ˌmɪsˈruːl/
mis · rule
Past Simple:misruled
•
Past Participle:misruled
•
Present Participle:misruling
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misrule Lexical Profile

misrule Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The unjust, incompetent, or corrupt exercise of authority or government.

Example

"Years of economic misrule left the country's public infrastructure in severe disrepair."

2

A state of public disorder, lawlessness, or unruly conduct.

Example

"During the medieval winter festival, a mock monarch known as the Lord of Misrule was appointed to preside over the revelry."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To govern badly, unjustly, or incompetently.

Example

"Historians largely agree that the monarch misruled the province by ignoring the counsel of local advisors."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for misrule

• Nearby Words

misrepresent
misrepresentation
misroute
misrule
miss
missable
missal

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English in the late 14th century from the prefix 'mis-' (badly, wrongly) and 'rule' (from Old French 'reule', ultimately from Latin 'regula' meaning straight stick or pattern).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Misrule. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/misrule
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