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Embezzlement - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Embezzlement is the act of dishonestly taking or misusing money or property entrusted to one’s care, often by an employee or official, for personal gain. It is a form of financial fraud.

embezzlement

/ɪmˈbɛzəlmənt/ /ɪmˈbɛzlmənt/

Definition:

Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.

Synonyms:

theft, fraud, misappropriation, larceny

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

honesty, restitution

Common Collocations:

corporate embezzlement, embezzlement charges, embezzlement scheme

Derivatives:

embezzler, embezzled

Usage Tips:

Use "embezzlement" for financial crimes involving trusted individuals stealing money over time.

Common Phrases:

white-collar crime, cooking the books, on the take

Etymology:

From Old French "embesiler," meaning to steal or destroy, influenced by "bezel," to gouge out.

Examples:

  • 1. The accountant was arrested for embezzlement after stealing company funds.
  • 2. She denied any involvement in the embezzlement scheme uncovered by auditors.
  • 3. Embezzlement often involves falsifying records to hide stolen money.
  • 4. The CEO faced jail time for large-scale embezzlement from investors.

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