Words / C1

im-BEZL/ɪmˈbezl/

To embezzle is to steal money that you were trusted to look after: embezzle the petty cash, charged with embezzling funds. Steal is everyday and wider; a crest on the wall does not tidy a ledger.

Meaning

To steal money that you were trusted to look after.

Examples

• “To “borrow” the petty cash is to embezzle; a crest will not tidy the ledger.”
• “Steal is everyday. Misappropriate is the close twin. Borrow is a euphemism. A dated ledger line is a file. Restore the cash; hang the crest afterwards if the audit still allows it.”

Good to know

Steal money in one’s care. Everyday: steal. “Borrow” ≠ a tidy ledger.

Near in meaning

steal, misappropriate, defraud

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