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Misappropriated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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misappropriated

[หŒmษชsษ™หˆprษ™สŠpriหŒeษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal use

Misappropriated refers to the act of taking something, usually funds or property, and using it for purposes other than those intended. This action is typically associated with breaches of trust or fiduciary duty.

Synonyms

diverted, embezzled, expropriated, misused.

Examples of usage

  • The accountant was charged with misappropriating company funds.
  • He misappropriated resources intended for community development projects.
  • The employee was fired for misappropriating confidential information.
  • Misappropriated donations led to a scandal for the charity.

Translations

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

Origin of 'misappropriated'

The term 'misappropriated' is derived from the prefix 'mis-', indicating wrongness or error, and 'appropriated', which comes from the late Latin 'appropriare', meaning 'to make one's own'. The legal sense of misappropriation emerged in the late 19th century, particularly in the context of fiduciary relationships. It refers to the wrongful acquisition and use of another's property or funds, violating trust and ethical standards. Over time, misappropriation laws evolved to protect individuals and organizations from the wrongful acts of those in positions of trust, ensuring accountability and justice for financial crimes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,990, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.