Definition

To train someone or something incorrectly or in a wrong manner.

Example

If you mistrain your dog, it may not learn the correct commands.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think my coach might have mistrained me during practice yesterday.

What do you mean by that?

Well, I felt like the drills were all mixed up and didn’t really help me improve.

That sounds frustrating! Maybe you should talk to him about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mistrain → It is formed from "mis-" (meaning wrongly or badly) and "train" (from Old French *trainer*, meaning to drag or pull). The word "mistrain" means to train someone or something incorrectly or in a wrong manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mis-' meaning wrongly, and 'train' as in to teach or develop skills. This helps you remember that 'mistrain' means to teach or develop skills in the wrong way.

Visually Confused Words