misappropriate

[ mis-uh-proh-pree-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ed, mis·ap·pro·pri·at·ing.

1. to put to a wrong use.
2. to apply wrongfully or dishonestly, as funds entrusted to one's care.

misappropriate

/ ˌmɪsəˈprəʊprɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. tr to appropriate for a wrong or dishonest use; embezzle or steal

Derived Forms

• ˌmisapˈpropriˈation, noun

Other Words From

• mis·ap·pro·pri·a·tion [mis-, uh, -proh-pree-, ey, -sh, uh, n] noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of misappropriate¹

First recorded in 1855–60; mis- ¹ + appropriate

Example Sentences

The firm misappropriated over $11 billion of funds that belonged to customers, investors and lenders, The Associated Press reported.

From Salon

When he tried to disclose the fraud, which amounted to about $4 million, to the city controller’s office, he was instructed by his supervisor to state that only $300,000 was misappropriated, the lawsuit said.

From Los Angeles Times

An IRS agent later testified that some of the Ruigomez settlement funds went to compensate other Girardi clients whose settlements he had previously misappropriated.

From Los Angeles Times

A Tustin attorney faces disbarment for allegedly misappropriating up to $282 million from as many as 60,000 clients who hired him looking for debt relief, the State Bar of California said.

From Los Angeles Times

After McNeal was arrested and charged with murder, Paylor “became fearful of its implications regarding the misappropriated loan funds, the future of the partnership and the plaintiff’s obligations under the loan,” according to the complaint.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• embezzle
• misspend
• misuse
• plunder
• swindle