catachresis
1 of 1noun/ˌkætəˈkrisɪs/
Forms:catachreses
1
a type of figurative language that involves the unconventional or strained use of words, often resulting in an unexpected or exaggerated expression
Catachresis is the misuse or strained use of a word or phrase, often in a way that mixes up meanings or creates an unusual expression. For example, saying "the elbow of a chair" or "a voice full of smiles" involves using words in ways that do not match their typical meanings. This linguistic phenomenon can happen due to a lack of suitable words or as a creative, poetic device. In rhetoric and literature, catachresis can add uniqueness or emphasis, though it can also lead to confusion when the intended meaning is unclear.