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.
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.