misappropriate

American

[mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt] / ˌmɪs əˈproʊ priˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

misappropriated, misappropriating

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

misappropriate British

/ ˌmɪsəˈprəʊprɪˌeɪt /

verb

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

"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

Other Word Forms

misappropriation noun

Etymology

Origin of misappropriate

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In October, federal prosecutors brought their first cases, charging two real estate executives with misappropriating millions.

From Los Angeles Times

But they also must not be misappropriated by those seeking to subvert legitimate law enforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal

The billionaire has previously said he regretted his association with Epstein, wasn’t aware of his crimes and that Epstein misappropriated funds from him.

From The Wall Street Journal

After he passed away, the Securities and Exchange Commission brought a case against his estate, alleging that he misappropriated client funds.

From MarketWatch

The presiding judge called the argument “a tale that surpasses those of the Arabian Nights, lacking credibility,” according to Bernama, Malaysia’s state media outlet, which said the charges involved some $570 million of misappropriated assets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023