misplace
UK: ˌmɪsˈpleɪs | US: ˌmɪsˈpleɪs
vt. to put (something) in the wrong location and lose it temporarily
vt. to assign (something) to an inappropriate context
The word "misplace" combines the prefix "mis-" (from Old English "mis-," meaning "wrong" or "badly") with the root "place" (from Latin "platea," meaning "broad street" or "space"). The prefix "mis-" often negates or reverses the meaning of the root it attaches to, while "place" retains its core sense of location. Together, they form a verb meaning "to put something in the wrong location," reflecting the logical progression from "place correctly" to "place incorrectly."
She tends to misplace her keys when she’s in a hurry.
The librarian misplaced the rare book, causing a delay in its retrieval.
His anger was misplaced—the criticism wasn’t directed at him.
Don’t misplace your trust in someone who has proven unreliable.
The documents were misplaced during the office renovation.