Peculate: meaning, definitions and examples
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peculate
[ˈpɛk.jʊ.leɪt ]
Definition
illegal appropriation
To peculate means to embezzle or misappropriate funds or resources that have been entrusted to one's care. This term is often associated with individuals in positions of authority, such as public officials or employees, who illegally take money or property for their personal use. The act of peculation undermines trust and can have severe consequences for both the perpetrators and their victims. It is considered a serious crime in most jurisdictions and may lead to legal action and penalties.
Synonyms
defraud, embezzle, misappropriate, pilfer, steal.
Examples of usage
- The manager was accused of peculating company funds.
- He was found to have peculated public money during his tenure.
- The accountant's job was at risk after being suspected of peculation.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'peculare,' which means 'to steal' or 'use something for oneself.'
- The root 'pecu' in Latin refers to cattle or property, emphasizing the idea of misusing something valuable.
- It became part of the English language in the early 17th century, primarily used in legal contexts.
Historical Context
- Historically, the term was often associated with government officials who misappropriated funds.
- Instances of peculation can be traced back to ancient Rome, where public servants were prosecuted for misusing public money.
- The term is still relevant today in discussions of financial crimes and corruption in various sectors.
Law and Ethics
- Peculation is considered a serious crime in legal systems, often involving significant penalties for those found guilty.
- Ethics in finance emphasize the need for transparency to prevent such dishonest acts among public and private employees.
- Professionals in finance often undergo training on the ethics of handling funds to avoid incidents of peculation.
Pop Culture
- The theme of betrayal and trust in relationships can be seen in movies where a character peculates funds, reflecting real-world concerns.
- Literature often explores the moral dilemmas surrounding peculation, showing the impact on trust and community.
- Documentaries highlighting financial scandals often discuss cases of peculation among high-level executives.
Psychology
- Research shows that a sense of entitlement can lead individuals to justify acts of peculation.
- Studies in behavioral economics explore how situations can influence the likelihood of someone engaging in dishonest practices.
- Understanding the psychological triggers that lead to such actions can help in developing prevention strategies.
Translations
Translations of the word "peculate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desviar
🇮🇳 धन का दुरुपयोग करना
🇩🇪 veruntreuen
🇮🇩 menyelewengkan
🇺🇦 розтрачати
🇵🇱 sprzeniewierzyć
🇯🇵 横領する
🇫🇷 détourner
🇪🇸 malversar
🇹🇷 zimmetine geçirmek
🇰🇷 횡령하다
🇸🇦 اختلاس
🇨🇿 zneužít
🇸🇰 zneužívať
🇨🇳 挪用
🇸🇮 zlorabiti
🇮🇸 misnota
🇰🇿 бұзу
🇬🇪 მოწყვეტა
🇦🇿 sui-istifadə etmək
🇲🇽 malversar
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,932, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.