Misappropriating: meaning, definitions and examples
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misappropriating
[ ˌmɪsəˈprəʊprieɪtɪŋ ]
legal context
Misappropriating refers to the act of taking or using someone else's property, funds, or resources without their permission and typically for personal gain. This action is often illegal and can involve financial assets or intellectual property. It implies an abuse of trust or authority.
Synonyms
diverting, embezzling, expropriating, misusing, stealing
Examples of usage
- The accountant was charged with misappropriating company funds.
- She was accused of misappropriating donations meant for charity.
- The official was investigated for misappropriating public resources.
- He faced prosecution for misappropriating investment capital.
Word origin
The term 'misappropriating' is derived from the prefix 'mis-', which indicates a wrong or improper action, and the root word 'appropriate', which originates from the Latin 'appropriatus', meaning 'to make one’s own'. The word 'appropriate' has been in use since the early 17th century, originally signifying the act of taking something for one's own use, especially in a way that is considered illegal or unethical. Over time, 'misappropriate' emerged to specifically denote improper or unlawful taking, primarily in legal and financial contexts, underscoring the breach of trust involved in such acts. The evolution of the term reflects societal concerns regarding theft, corruption, and the ethical use of resources, particularly in positions of authority or responsibility.