embezzle
[em-bez-uh l]
- to appropriate fraudulently to one's own use, as money or property entrusted to one's care.
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Origin of embezzle
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 < ?
Synonyms
See more synonyms for embezzle on Thesaurus.commisappropriate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for embezzle
Contemporary Examples
In fact, according to the 2011 Marquet Report on Embezzlement, women are more likely to embezzle than men.
Most Notorious ‘Pink-Collar’ Criminal to Be Sentenced for $53 Million TheftKelly Pope
February 14, 2013
The village is poor, but the local party secretary managed to embezzle at least $700,000-$800,000.
Historical Examples
I don't say it was proved on the other hand that he did embezzle that sum.
Hard CashCharles Reade
Guzman, however, managed to embezzle a couple of partridges and some quails.
Legends & Romances of SpainLewis Spence
I cannot believe that that man will ever embezzle money again.
Selections from Previous WorksSamuel Butler
"Embezzle for him $70,000 worth of securities," thought the examiner.
Roads of DestinyO. Henry
In return they were always trying to beg or embezzle the treasure of the king at Susa.
embezzle
- to convert (money or property entrusted to one) fraudulently to one's own use
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Word Origin
C15: from Anglo-French embeseiller to destroy, from Old French beseiller to make away with, of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for embezzle
v.
early 15c., from Anglo-French embesiler "to steal, cause to disappear" (c.1300), from Old French em- (see en- (1)) + besillier "torment, destroy, gouge," of unknown origin. Sense of "to dispose of fraudulently" is first recorded 1580s. Related: Embezzled; embezzling.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper