embezzle
[em-bez-uhl]
verb (used with object), em·bez·zled, em·bez·zling.
to appropriate fraudulently to one's own use, as money or property entrusted to one's care.
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 for embezzle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for embezzle
misappropriate, pilfer, purloin, filch, appropriate, skim, misuse, loot, abstract, thieve, misapply, forge, peculate, defalcateExamples from the Web for embezzle
Contemporary Examples of embezzle
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 of embezzle
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
verb
Word Origin for embezzle
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
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