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Peculating: meaning, definitions and examples

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peculating

 

[ ˈpɛkjʊˌleɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

illegal activity

Peculating refers to the act of embezzling or misappropriating funds or property entrusted to one's care. It typically involves the wrongful taking or use of assets for personal gain. This term is often used in legal contexts, especially when discussing financial crimes committed by individuals in positions of trust. Peculation can have severe consequences for both the perpetrator and the victims involved. In many cases, it leads to criminal charges and restitution demands.

Synonyms

embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation, swindling, theft.

Examples of usage

  • The accountant was charged with peculating company funds.
  • She was caught peculating from the charity she managed.
  • The investigation revealed that he had been peculating for years.
  • Peculating public resources is a serious offense.
  • He was found guilty of peculating government money.

Translations

Translations of the word "peculating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 especulando

🇮🇳 सट्टा लगाना

🇩🇪 spekulieren

🇮🇩 berspekulasi

🇺🇦 спекулюючи

🇵🇱 spekulując

🇯🇵 投機する

🇫🇷 spéculant

🇪🇸 especulando

🇹🇷 spekülasyon yapmak

🇰🇷 추측하다

🇸🇦 التخمين

🇨🇿 spekulující

🇸🇰 špekulujúci

🇨🇳 推测

🇸🇮 špekuliranje

🇮🇸 spekulera

🇰🇿 спекуляция жасау

🇬🇪 სპეკულირება

🇦🇿 spikulyasiya

🇲🇽 especulando

Etymology

The term 'peculate' originates from the Latin word 'peculatum', which stems from 'peculium', meaning 'private property' or 'personal possessions'. In Roman times, 'peculium' referred to the money or property a slave could own and manage separately from their master's assets. Over time, the concept evolved to represent a breach of trust where individuals misappropriated resources allocated to them for professional purposes. 'Peculation' began to be used in English law during the early 19th century, particularly in discussions surrounding financial crime and embezzlement. It highlights the betrayal of trust by those in positions of power and responsibility, emphasizing legal and ethical breaches. The term remains relevant today in discussions of corporate and governmental misconduct.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,721, 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.