misinterpret

From mis- +‎ interpret.

misinterpret (third-person singular simple present misinterprets, present participle misinterpreting, simple past and past participle misinterpreted)

1. To make an incorrect interpretation; to misunderstand.
   • 2012 August 5, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “I Love Lisa” (season 4, episode 15; originally aired 02/11/1993)”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name)‎:

     For Ralph, any encouragement is too much. When Lisa gives Ralph a valentine bearing that locomotive pun that so affected The Simpsons’ showrunner, Ralph misinterprets the gesture as a genuine display of romantic interest rather than a gesture of pity from a thoughtful young geek to a friendless goober.

• misinterpretable
• misinterpretation
• misinterpreter