embezzlement
em-BEZ-uhl-muhnt
/ɪmˈbɛzəlmənt/
The fraudulent taking of personal property or money by someone to whom it was entrusted.
The key to embezzlement is 'trust.' The criminal already has legal access to the money (like an accountant or treasurer) but uses it for their own purposes.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Anglo-French 'enbesiler', meaning to make away with or squander. It originally implied wasting someone else's money through neglect or fraud.
Word relationships
- misappropriation: A broader term for using something for the wrong purpose.
- peculation: A very formal term for the embezzlement of public funds.
- stewardship: The job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.
Commonly confused with
- larceny: Larceny is a 'trespassory' taking; embezzlement is a breach of trust.
Word family
- embezzle (verb): To commit embezzlement.
- embezzler (noun): A person who embezzles.
Collocations
- embezzlement of funds
- charged with embezzlement
- corporate embezzlement
- investigate embezzlement
Example sentences
- "The embezzlement of $50 billion by Bernie Madoff remains the largest Ponzi scheme in history." News Report (The Wall Street Journal)
- "The company's treasurer was arrested for the embezzlement of pension funds." Corporate Scandal
Memory hook
Em-be-z-z-le: Like a bee buzzing away with your honey (money). Theft by a trusted person.
When not to use
Do not use embezzlement for a stranger stealing a wallet; the criminal must have been in a position of trust.
Fun facts
- Embezzlement is often called a 'white-collar crime' because it is typically committed by office workers or professionals.
- Most embezzlement cases are discovered through internal audits or anonymous tips.
Related words
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