First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
embezzle
verb em·bez·zle \im-ˈbe-zəl, em-\
: to steal money that you have been trusted with
em·bez·zledem·bez·zling \-(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of EMBEZZLE
transitive verb
: to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's own use <embezzled thousands of dollars>
— em·bez·zle·ment \-zəl-mənt\ noun
— em·bez·zler \-z(ə-)lər\ noun
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Origin of EMBEZZLE
Middle English embesilen, from Anglo-French embesiller to make away with, from en- + besiller to steal, plunder
Other Legal Terms
EMBEZZLEMENT Defined for Kids
embezzle
verb em·bez·zle \im-ˈbe-zəl\
em·bez·zledem·bez·zling
Definition of EMBEZZLE for Kids
: to steal (money or property) despite being entrusted to take care of it <The banker embezzled money from his customers.>
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