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embezzlement

im-BEZ-uhl-muhnt /ɪmˈbɛzəlmənt/

nounC1GREGMAT

formallegal

Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer.

Embezzlement specifically refers to the theft of assets by someone who was entrusted with those assets, often in a position of authority or financial management. It's not just any theft, but a breach of trust.

The story behind the word. The word 'embezzlement' comes from the Old French 'embesiller,' meaning 'to make away with,' 'to steal,' or 'to destroy.' It entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to the destruction or waste of goods. Over time, its meaning narrowed to specifically describe the fraudulent appropriation of money or property by someone to whom it has been entrusted, highlighting the breach of trust inherent in the crime.

Word relationships

misappropriation: Broader term for taking something dishonestly, not necessarily by someone in a position of trust.
peculation: Formal term, often specifically referring to embezzlement of public funds.
defralcation: Archaic term for embezzlement, especially of funds.

honesty: The quality of being truthful and sincere.
stewardship: The responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.

Commonly confused with

theft: 'Theft' is a general term for taking someone else's property without permission. 'Embezzlement' is a specific type of theft where the person stealing was legally entrusted with the property.

Word family

embezzle (verb): To steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer).
embezzler (noun): A person who commits embezzlement.

Collocations

commit embezzlement
charges of embezzlement
corporate embezzlement
embezzlement scheme

Example sentences

"The accountant was arrested on charges of embezzlement after it was discovered he had been siphoning funds from the company for years." Reporting on a corporate crime.
"The charity faced ruin due to the massive embezzlement committed by its former treasurer." Discussing financial misconduct.

Memory hook

EMBEZZLEMENT sounds like 'empty puzzle meant' – the puzzle of where the money went, now that the trusted person has emptied the accounts. Empty puzzle meant

When not to use

Do not use 'embezzlement' for simple theft where no trust relationship existed, or for general fraud where the perpetrator was not entrusted with the assets.

Fun facts

Embezzlement is often a 'white-collar crime,' meaning it's non-violent and committed by individuals in professional or business settings.