misappropriation

[ mis-uh-proh-pree-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. wrongful use, especially the dishonest or inappropriate use of others’ money, data, etc.:

   He pled guilty to multiple counts of misappropriation of public funds and falsifying public documents, and received a four-year prison sentence.

   Database owners are concerned about the possible commercial misappropriation of their products.

Word History and Origins

Origin of misappropriation¹

mis- ¹( def ) + appropriation ( def )

Example Sentences

Following Jack's comments, the White Stripes sued Trump and his campaign for his "flagrant misappropriation of the musical composition and sound recording 'Seven Nation Army.'"

From Salon

Allegations against Valdovinos Ramirez included moral turpitude for misappropriation, misrepresentation, bounced checks, with additional charges for unreturned fees and not updating one client on important case events.

From Los Angeles Times

The formerly married duo, who recorded and toured together as The White Stripes, are suing Trump for using one of the band's most famous songs — "Seven Nation Army," off of "Elephant," their fourth studio album, released in 2003 — alleging in their claim that Trump's use of their music in a campaign video was a "flagrant misappropriation."

From Salon

Allowed to act as special adviser to the trust and receive a monthly payment for her role, Priscilla is back in court again, claiming "financial elder abuse" due to her ex-business partners and Priscilla Presley Partners, LLC leading to the misappropriation of more than $1 million dollars, forcing her into a "form of indentured servitude."

From Salon

Daniel Stephen March did not dispute 27 ethics charges of moral turpitude, misappropriation, failure to maintain client funds in a trust account and others filed against him in May in State Bar Court, which independently handles attorney discipline cases.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• desecration
• exploitation
• misconduct
• misdeed
• mishandling
• misuse
• prostitution
• wrongdoing