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Embezzling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embezzling

[ɪmˈbɛzəlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial crime

Embezzling refers to the act of taking or misappropriating funds entrusted to one's care, often in a professional setting. This illegal act typically involves employees or officials diverting money for their personal gain, exploiting their position of trust. The crime is a form of theft and can lead to severe legal consequences.

Synonyms

defrauding, misappropriating, stealing, thieving.

Examples of usage

  • The accountant was caught embezzling company funds.
  • She was charged with embezzling from her employer over several years.
  • Embezzling often goes unnoticed until an audit is performed.
  • After the investigation, it was clear he had been embezzling money.
  • The company suffered greatly due to embezzling by its senior executives.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law and Crime

  • In many jurisdictions, embezzlement is treated as a type of fraud where someone misuses funds entrusted to them.
  • The punishment for embezzling varies widely depending on the amount stolen; larger amounts can lead to severe penalties including jail time.
  • Notable cases of embezzlement have involved public officials and corporate executives, highlighting its prevalence in high-stakes environments.

Psychology

  • People who engage in embezzling often rationalize their actions, believing they 'deserve' the money due to perceived unfairness.
  • The psychological buildup to embezzlement may involve feelings of entitlement or desperation, leading individuals to cross moral boundaries.

Pop Culture

  • Books and movies often depict characters who embezzle as complex anti-heroes, showcasing the drama behind their motivations and downfall.
  • Real-life embezzlement cases have inspired numerous documentaries, shining a light on the impact of financial crimes on businesses and communities.

Economics

  • Embezzlement can have significant financial repercussions on organizations, often leading them to implement stricter internal controls.
  • Research shows that embezzlement losses accrue to billions of dollars annually, affecting both small businesses and large corporations.

Origin of 'embezzling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'embesil', which originally meant to make away with something.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'embeissier', meaning to put or place, signifying the wrongful handling of funds.

The term 'embezzling' has its roots in the French word 'embesiller', which means to appropriate wrongly or to misappropriate. It became more prominent in the English language during the late 16th century. The legal frameworks governing embezzlement began to evolve significantly in the 19th century, reflecting the growing complexity of financial crime and corruption in business and government. As economies grew, so did the opportunities for individuals in positions of trust to exploit their power. The term signifies not just the act of theft, but a breach of trust, indicating a deeper societal concern about integrity and accountability.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,536 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.