misdeem

verb

mis·​deem ˌmis-ˈdēm How to pronounce misdeem (audio)
misdeemed; misdeeming
1
intransitive archaic : to be mistaken : hold a wrong opinion
Also at such times is the rich man become fearful, and so waxeth in cruelty, and of that cruelty do people misdeem that it is power and might waxing.William Morris
2
transitive, archaic
a
: to have a mistaken opinion of : misjudge
Nor misdeem me, that I … should be thus bold.Edward Bulwer-Lytton
b
: to think or suppose wrongly
… but he misdeems that he is wise …Percy Bysshe Shelley
3
transitive archaic : to mistake for something or someone else
… the poverty ye know, which we for wealth misdeemAubrey De Vere

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of misdeem was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near misdeem

Cite this Entry

“Misdeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misdeem. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!