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 Republican chairmen of the panels warned about “systematic attempts to exploit, degrade, and misappropriate our open system of science.”

From Washington Times

However, no one is entitled to misappropriate the views of others to justify state violence— especially not the words of Martin Luther King Jr.

From Salon

Over the past three weeks, former employees and friends of Sam Bankman-Fried have testified that he orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate billions of dollars in customer money from his FTX cryptocurrency exchange, which collapsed last year.

From New York Times

“Facing difficult financial circumstances, Mr. Hynes decided to misappropriate venture money,” said Senior Deputy Dist.

From Los Angeles Times

Bourlakova has alleged that her then husband pursued a strategy to devalue and misappropriate the ownership of the yacht holding companies, among other assets and had in 2018 said that “a longstanding oral partnership” with Kazakov reduced the share of wealth that can be distributed to her.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• embezzle
• misspend
• misuse
• plunder
• swindle