Misappropriate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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misappropriate
[หmษชsษหprษสprieษชt ]
Definition
legal
To dishonestly take something that belongs to someone else and use it for your own personal gain.
Synonyms
appropriate, embezzle, pilfer, siphon, steal.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| misappropriate |
Better suited for formal or legal contexts to describe taking something dishonestly for one's own use, especially money that has been entrusted to one's care. Has a negative connotation.
|
| embezzle |
Used when someone legally has access to money or property and illegally takes it for themselves. This term is common in legal and business contexts. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
| steal |
This is a general term for taking someone else's property without permission. It can be used in all contexts and has a negative connotation.
|
| pilfer |
Describes stealing small items or quantities, usually of little value. Often used in a casual context but still has a negative connotation.
|
| appropriate |
Use when taking something for one's own use, often without permission, but not necessarily with an illegal connotation. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| siphon |
Used to describe the act of illegally or unethically extracting money or resources, usually through a system or process. Has a negative connotation, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- He was found guilty of misappropriating company funds.
- The politician was accused of misappropriating public funds for his own benefit.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In legal terms, misappropriation can refer to the unauthorized use of property or funds, often seen in cases involving fiduciary duty.
- Corporate misappropriation might occur when a former employee takes trade secrets or proprietary information for personal gain.
Cultural Perspectives
- Some cultures view misappropriation of cultural symbols as a form of disrespect, leading to important discussions about cultural appreciation versus appropriation.
- Misappropriation can also apply to art, where one artist might take ideas from another without credit, raising ethical questions in creative fields.
Psychological Insights
- Studies show that individuals who misappropriate tend to justify their actions, often believing they have entitlement to what they take.
- Psychologically, misappropriation can be linked to a lack of empathy or an inflated sense of self-importance, affecting interpersonal relationships.
Modern Examples
- Social media has seen instances where users misappropriate memes or digital art without acknowledging the original creators, raising issues of credit in the digital age.
- High-profile cases of misappropriation in corporations often lead to legal battles and public scrutiny, affecting brand trust.
Origin of 'misappropriate'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'mis-', meaning wrong or bad, and 'appropriate,' which comes from the Latin 'appropriare,' meaning to make one's own.
- The word has roots in 17th-century English, where it was first used in the context of unlawful taking of funds.
The word 'misappropriate' originated from the combination of 'mis-' (meaning wrong or badly) and 'appropriate' (to take something for one's own use). The term first appeared in the mid-19th century and has been used primarily in legal contexts to describe the act of wrongfully taking possession of something.
See also: appropriate, appropriately, appropriateness, appropriation, inappropriate, inappropriately, inappropriateness, misappropriation, unappropriated.