misappropriate

[mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt]

verb (used with object)

misappropriated, misappropriating 

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

Other Word Forms

• misappropriation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misappropriate¹

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

Example Sentences

Dream Exchange has previously denied that it misappropriated investor funds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As much as $100 million was misappropriated in the scheme, according to NABU, which made its investigation public earlier this week.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Alarm bells should be ringing: The office is once again being misappropriated to bless extralegal conduct, not to block it.

Read more on Salon

Department of Justice on Thursday charged two real estate executives with defrauding California’s Homekey program, allegedly misappropriating millions meant for homeless housing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"He took up arms against the United States, misappropriated funds, and was ultimately captured and imprisoned by his own troops."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• embezzle 
• misspend 
• misuse 
• plunder 
• swindle