misappropriate

[ mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt ]

/ ˌmɪs əˈproʊ priˌeɪt /

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.

Nearby words

misanthropy, misapplied, misapply, misapprehend, misapprehension, misappropriate, misarrange, misbecome, misbegotten, misbehave, misbehavior

Origin of misappropriate

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

Related forms

mis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion, noun

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

Examples from the Web for misappropriation

In 2007, Burkle sued Follieri, the former boyfriend of actress Anne Hathaway, for misappropriation of funds.
Bill Clinton's $20 Million Breakup|Kim Masters|March 29, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Tom never for a moment regarded the misappropriation of the gold as a theft.
Twice Bought|R.M. Ballantyne
Dr. Cronin had been charging the triangle with misappropriation of the funds—and what else?
The Crime of the Century|Henry M. Hunt
The mention of the word yeoman reminds us of the misappropriation of this expression in modern times.
The Curiosities of Heraldry|Mark Antony Lower

There has evidently been some ancient mistake or misappropriation, the origin of which I hope to be able to account for.
Surnames as a Science|Robert Ferguson
He allows no luxury or self-indulgence, no misappropriation of time, no ostentatious display of wealth or station.
Aristotle|George Grote

British Dictionary definitions for misappropriation

misappropriate

/ (ˌmɪsəˈprəʊprɪˌeɪt) /

verb

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

Derived Forms

misappropriation, 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