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Embezzled: meaning, definitions and examples

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embezzled

 

[ ɪmˈbɛzld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

financial crimes

Embezzled refers to the act of unlawfully taking or misappropriating funds that one has been entrusted with, typically in a professional or fiduciary context. This act is a crime and is often associated with individuals in positions of authority who betray the trust placed in them by diverting money for their own personal gain. Embezzlement can occur in various organizations, including corporations, non-profits, and government entities, and often involves significant financial amounts. Convictions for embezzlement can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Synonyms

defrauded, misappropriated, swindled

Examples of usage

  • The accountant was caught after embezzling funds from the company.
  • She was charged with embezzling money from the charity she managed.
  • The employee embezzled large sums over several years.
  • He admitted to embezzling from clients during his trial.

Translations

Translations of the word "embezzled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviado

🇮🇳 गबन किया हुआ

🇩🇪 veruntreut

🇮🇩 menggelapkan

🇺🇦 розкрадений

🇵🇱 przywłaszczony

🇯🇵 横領された

🇫🇷 détourné

🇪🇸 desviado

🇹🇷 zimmetine geçirmiş

🇰🇷 횡령된

🇸🇦 اختلاس

🇨🇿 zneužitý

🇸🇰 zneužitý

🇨🇳 挪用的

🇸🇮 zlorabljen

🇮🇸 svikinn

🇰🇿 жемқорлық жасаған

🇬🇪 მალევილი

🇦🇿 özbaşına götürülmüş

🇲🇽 desviado

Etymology

The term 'embezzle' originates from the late Middle English term 'embezel', which comes from the Anglo-French word 'embeiseller', meaning to accumulate or to gather together. The prefix 'em-' is derived from the Latin 'in-', meaning 'into' or 'on', and 'beseller' refers to the act of claiming ownership or possession. Over time, the meaning evolved specifically to denote the act of taking property or funds for oneself that have been entrusted to one's care. By the 16th century, 'embezzle' had become firmly established in the English language, primarily in the context of legal and financial misconduct. Throughout the centuries, embezzlement cases have been a significant concern for businesses and government institutions alike, leading to the implementation of stricter laws and regulations surrounding financial management and accountability.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,347, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.