Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
embezzlement
noun
/ɪmˈbɛz.əl.mənt/
Definition
The act of secretly taking and using money or property that has been entrusted to one’s care, often in violation of a fiduciary duty.
Examples
- The accountant was charged with embezzlement after it was discovered that he had siphoned off funds from the company’s accounts.
- She faced serious repercussions for her embezzlement of client funds that were meant for investment.
- The company’s audit revealed several instances of embezzlement by upper management.
Meaning
Embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer.
Synonyms
- Misappropriation
- Theft
- Fraud
- Escheat
