embezzle

What does “embezzle” mean?

verb.to steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works).

SAT Usage

the term often appears in contexts related to financial misconduct or ethical dilemmas within organizations. It emphasizes the betrayal of trust and the deliberate nature of theft, distinguishing it from similar words like "steal" by highlighting the breach of responsibility and the abuse of position that accompanies such actions.

Common Confusions

Embezzle implies a breach of trust and responsibility in the theft of funds, while steal usually suggests taking something without permission, regardless of the relationship to the victim.

Example Sentences

• The treasurer embezzled money from the charity for two years.

• He tried to embezzle money from the charity.