mischannel

verb

mis·​chan·​nel ˌmis-ˈcha-nᵊl 

mischanneled or mischannelled; mischanneling or mischannelling

transitive verb

: to channel (something, such as one's efforts or emotions) in an improper or harmful way

As dangerous leaders mischannel their drive, they become a growing menace to their fellows.

—Timothy R. Clark

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above