WordValeembezzlement
stealing funds placed in one's trust
In more detail
(noun) the crime of stealing money or property that you are responsible for at your job or in a position of trust
Examples
- The accountant was arrested for embezzlement after stealing thousands of dollars from the company.
How to use embezzlement
Embezzlement is a formal, legal term used in criminal and financial contexts to describe the theft of money or assets by someone in a position of trust, such as an employee or official. It emphasizes the breach of trust and responsibility, distinguishing it from simple theft. The term appears frequently in news reports, legal documents, and corporate investigations.
Common phrases
- commit embezzlement
- charged with embezzlement
- embezzlement scandal
- embezzlement charges
- convicted of embezzlement
- embezzlement case
Synonyms
theft · misappropriation · defalcation · larceny · pilferage
Word family
embezzle (verb) · embezzler (noun) · embezzled (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse embezzlement with bribery or corruption; embezzlement specifically means taking something that belongs to your employer or organization, whereas bribery involves offering payment to influence someone's actions.
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