Definition of "misinterpret"

misinterpret

verb
third-person singular simple present misinterprets, present participle misinterpreting, simple past and past participle misinterpreted
1. To make an incorrect interpretation; to misunderstand.
  Quotations
  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.
  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)‎