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Embezzle: meaning, definitions and examples

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embezzle

 

[ ɪmˈbɛzəl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

financial crime

To embezzle means to steal or misappropriate money that one has been entrusted with, typically in a workplace setting. It involves taking funds for personal use without permission or through deceit.

Synonyms

defraud, misappropriate, pilfer, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embezzle

Used when someone takes money they were trusted with in their job.

  • He was caught embezzling funds from the company.
misappropriate

Used when someone improperly or illegally uses something they were entrusted with.

  • The manager was found guilty of misappropriating company funds.
steal

The general term for taking something that is not yours without permission.

  • Someone tried to steal his wallet.
defraud

Used to describe tricking someone to take their money, property or rights.

  • She defrauded the investors by promising high returns.
pilfer

Used when someone steals small items, often repeatedly.

  • The clerk was caught pilfering office supplies.

Examples of usage

  • He was caught embezzling company funds for his own luxurious lifestyle.
  • The accountant was found guilty of embezzling over $1 million from the company.
  • If caught embezzling, the consequences can be severe, including fines and imprisonment.

Translations

Translations of the word "embezzle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviar

🇮🇳 गबन करना

🇩🇪 veruntreuen

🇮🇩 menggelapkan

🇺🇦 привласнювати

🇵🇱 sprzeniewierzyć

🇯🇵 横領する (おうりょうする)

🇫🇷 détourner

🇪🇸 malversar

🇹🇷 zimmetine geçirmek

🇰🇷 횡령하다

🇸🇦 اختلس

🇨🇿 spronevěřit

🇸🇰 spreneveriť

🇨🇳 挪用 (nuó yòng)

🇸🇮 proneveriti

🇮🇸 sverta

🇰🇿 иемдену

🇬🇪 გადამალვა

🇦🇿 mənimsəmək

🇲🇽 malversar

Etymology

The word 'embezzle' has its origins in the Anglo-French word 'embesiler,' which means 'to steal.' It first appeared in English in the late 15th century. The act of embezzlement has a long history, with cases dating back centuries. It is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions, with legal consequences for those convicted of it.

See also: embezzlement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,277 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.