misappropriate

[ mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ed, mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ing.

1. to put to a wrong use.
2. to apply wrongfully or dishonestly, as funds entrusted to one's care.

misappropriate

/ ˌmɪsəˈprəʊprɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to appropriate for a wrong or dishonest use; embezzle or steal

Derived Forms

• ˌmisapˈpropriˈation, noun

Other Words From

• mis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion [mis-, uh, -proh-pree-, ey, -sh, uh, n] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misappropriate¹

First recorded in 1855–60; mis- ¹ + appropriate

Example Sentences

The charges “stem from a SLED investigation into misappropriated settlement funds in the death of Gloria Satterfield” the statement read.

From Time

As Haitian nationals saw poverty, violence and corruption increase, billions in stolen or misappropriated aid funds fueled a legendary industry of disaster capitalism.

From Essence.com

The company argued that the new systems cannot be misappropriated easily by government action—and emphasized repeatedly that opting out was as easy as turning off iCloud backup.

From MIT Technology Review

“No, I did not,” answered Johnson, one of five clients from whom Avenatti allegedly misappropriated funds.

From The Daily Beast

The investigation also found no one misappropriated any funds “for personal gain,” according to the excerpt.

From Voice of San Diego

Those who collect taxes without being duly authorized by Government, or misappropriate public funds.

From Project Gutenberg

A dihydroxyl derivative of one of the latter is in use under the somewhat misappropriate name of “alizarin black.”

From Project Gutenberg

How is it to be known whether the parents misappropriate the fund of a child, or favour one more than another?

From Project Gutenberg

I asked her if it would not be very easy for him to misappropriate a scudo now and then.

From Project Gutenberg

Am I willing to be a thief and misappropriate their physical, mental and moral heritage?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• embezzle
• misspend
• misuse
• plunder
• swindle