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embezzlement

English → EnglishformaltechnicalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "embezzlement": Embezzlement refers to the act of dishonestly withholding or misappropriating assets—usually money—t

What does "embezzlement" mean?

Embezzlement refers to the act of dishonestly withholding or misappropriating assets—usually money—that were entrusted to a person for their management or use. Mentally, visualize someone who has been given the keys to a safe or a company bank account, only to siphon those funds into their own private pocket. This term is almost exclusively used in legal, financial, or workplace contexts. Unlike simple theft, which implies taking something that doesn't belong to you by force or stealth, embezzlement relies on a breach of trust where the perpetrator had legitimate access to the funds initially. It is a serious white-collar crime.

"embezzlement" in conversation

Office gossip

Did you hear why the accountant was fired?

Did you hear why the accountant was fired?

I heard it was embezzlement. He was funneling client fees into a secret account.

I heard it was embezzlement. He was funneling client fees into a secret account.

Used to describe a specific type of financial misconduct.

Legal briefing

The evidence of embezzlement is overwhelming.

The evidence of embezzlement is overwhelming.

Can we prove he intended to steal the money?

Can we prove he intended to steal the money?

Commonly used in legal discussions regarding corporate crime.

"embezzlement" in a sentence

  1. The manager was caught for embezzlement.

    The manager was caught for embezzlement.

  2. He faced several years in prison for the embezzlement of company funds.

    He faced several years in prison for the embezzlement of company funds.

  3. The investigation into the large-scale embezzlement scheme revealed a complex web of offshore accounts.

    The investigation into the large-scale embezzlement scheme revealed a complex web of offshore accounts.

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