Definition

The act of secretly taking money or property that has been entrusted to someone, usually in a position of authority, for personal use.

Example

The accountant was charged with embezzlement after stealing funds from the company.

Conversation

Did you hear about that case of embezzlement at the local charity?

Yeah, it's shocking how someone could betray a trust like that.

I know, right? It's sad to think about all the people who rely on them.

Absolutely, I hope they find a way to recover from this situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embezzlement is formed from "embezzle" (from Middle French *embezzler*, meaning to appropriate fraudulently) and the suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or process of). The word refers to the act or process of fraudulently appropriating funds or property entrusted to one's care.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'fraudulently appropriating' ('embezzle') something that was entrusted to them, and the '-ment' indicates the action of doing so.

Visually Confused Words