misappropriate

[mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR misappropriate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ed, mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ing.

to put to a wrong use.

to apply wrongfully or dishonestly, as funds entrusted to one's care.

Origin of misappropriate

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

Related formsmis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for misappropriate

embezzle, misuse, plunder, misspend, swindle, rob, pocket, appropriate, abuse, misapply, peculate, defalcate

Examples from the Web for misappropriate

Historical Examples of misappropriate

It is unconscionable that Khalid should misappropriate Party funds.
The Book of Khalid
Ameen Rihani
He was still firm in his refusal to misappropriate those heirlooms.
Zuleika Dobson
Max Beerbohm
In one case, an absolutely different title, a misappropriate title, was substituted.
Martin Eden
Jack London
I asked her if it would not be very easy for him to misappropriate a scudo now and then.
The Story of My Life, volumes 4-6
Augustus J. C. Hare
Am I willing to be a thief and misappropriate their physical, mental and moral heritage?
Facts And Fictions Of Life
Helen H. Gardener

British Dictionary definitions for misappropriate

misappropriate

verb

(tr) to appropriate for a wrong or dishonest use; embezzle or steal

Derived Formsmisappropriation, noun

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 misappropriate

1803, from mis- (1) + appropriate (v.). Related: Misappropriated; misappropriating.