Embezzle

/ɪmˈbɛz.əl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to misappropriate (money or property) entrusted to one's care, typically in violation of a trust.

The accountant was found guilty of embezzling funds from the company's accounts.

to take (money or property) for one's personal use in violation of trust.

She was accused of embezzling thousands of dollars from her charitable organization.

to steal or misappropriate (assets) with the intention of using them for personal benefit.

His scheme to embezzle large sums of money was uncovered during the audit.

to deliberately use funds that were intended for a specific purpose for personal gain.

The employee tried to embezzle donations intended for the local shelter.

From the Old French word 'embezzler', meaning to misappropriate.

embezzlement scheme

A plan to steal funds through manipulation or deceit.

caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of committing a crime, especially embezzling.

cook the books

To falsify financial records to hide embezzlement.

misappropriation

The act of taking something for one's own use, typically money or property, without the owner's permission.

fraud

Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

theft

The action of stealing; the unlawful taking of personal property.

skimming

He's been skimming off the top of the profits at the bar.

rob Peter to pay Paul

He had to rob Peter to pay Paul when he embezzled money from the project.