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What is the linguistic term of a word that is overused and misapplied?

Any linguists here? How called a word that has become too much and too often apply the things that are similar but not identical to the original definition? Like how the "mafia" applies to any sinister secret society? Or how "terrorism" applies to everything connected with someone who inspires fear in others? Dilution?

In historical linguistics, which expanded the meaning of a word to include things that were not originally applied what is known as extension. In the words you mentioned, the meaning has become widespread in the vernacular, to cover a much wider area. Here's another example – the word in Latin, the word quality was a virtual virtus = man – but now, after several centuries, can be described virtuous men and women [if ...] you might find interesting to do research on semantic change.

Sinister Souls – Definition Of Silence