embezzle

[ em-bez-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, em·bez·zled, em·bez·zling.

1. to appropriate fraudulently to one's own use, as money or property entrusted to one's care.

   Synonyms: misappropriate

embezzle

/ ɪmˈbɛzəl /

verb

1. to convert (money or property entrusted to one) fraudulently to one's own use

Derived Forms

• emˈbezzler, noun
• emˈbezzlement, noun

Other Words From

• em·bezzle·ment noun
• em·bezzler noun
• nonem·bezzle·ment noun
• unem·bezzled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of embezzle¹

1375–1425; late Middle English embesilen < Anglo-French embeseiller to destroy, make away with, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + beseiller, Old French beseiller to destroy < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of embezzle¹

C15: from Anglo-French embeseiller to destroy, from Old French beseiller to make away with, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

In fact, according to the 2011 Marquet Report on Embezzlement, women are more likely to embezzle than men.

From The Daily Beast

The village is poor, but the local party secretary managed to embezzle at least $700,000-$800,000.

From The Daily Beast

To appropriate another man's design was no more nor less than to embezzle his money or steal his goods.

From Project Gutenberg

"Embezzle for him $70,000 worth of securities," thought the examiner.

From Project Gutenberg

If servants get not their meat honestly and decently, they will neglect their master's business, or embezzle his goods.

From Project Gutenberg

When I urged reform, the officials and gentry seized the opportunity to embezzle.

From Project Gutenberg

I assigned him a certain operation, and, having brought it to success, he endeavoured to embezzle—did embezzle—the proceeds.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• appropriate
• filch
• loot
• misappropriate
• misuse
• pilfer
• purloin
• skim