Definition

To misuse or steal money that has been entrusted to someone, often in a financial context.

Example

The accountant was found to have defalcated a large sum of money from the company.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that accountant who managed to defalcate the company funds?

Yeah, I read about it — it's shocking how someone could do that.

I know, right? It's hard to believe anyone would risk their career to defalcate money like that.

Totally! It makes you wonder about the systems in place to prevent such things.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Defalcate → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "falcāre" (meaning to reap or cut). The word describes the act of cutting down or reducing funds, particularly in a financial context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cutting down' ('falcāre') funds 'away' ('de-') — that's why defalcate means to reduce or misappropriate funds.

Visually Confused Words