Definition

To take money or property that has been given to you to manage, and use it for your own purposes instead of for the intended purpose.

Example

The accountant was caught trying to embezzle funds from the company.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that accountant who tried to embezzle money from the company?

Yeah, I saw that on the news; it's crazy how some people think they can get away with it.

I know, right? It's hard to believe someone would actually risk their career just to embezzle a little cash.

Totally! It's just not worth the consequences.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embezzle is formed from "em-" (a variant of "en-", meaning to cause to be in) and "besezzlen" (from Old French *besiller*, meaning to appropriate or take for oneself). The word describes the act of causing funds to be in one's possession by taking them for oneself, often illegally.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('em-') someone's possession by 'taking for oneself' ('besezzlen') — that's why embezzle means to take money or property for personal use.

Visually Confused Words