misappropriate

verb

mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmi-sə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
misappropriated; misappropriating; misappropriates

transitive verb

: to appropriate wrongly (as by theft or embezzlement)
misappropriation noun

Examples of misappropriate in a Sentence

They accused him of misappropriating town funds. a financial manager misappropriating funds from her clients' accounts
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weinstein is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and the funds allegedly misappropriated by Bob Weinstein and Glasser. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025 In February 2023, Masud admitted to misappropriating $864,000 and agreed to a three-year suspension in a settlement agreement accepted by Second Circuit Judge Tiffany Baker-Carper. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025 Shortly before his death, A.B. confronted Lilly in his office and threatened to expose her for misappropriating funds, illegally securing contracts, trading favors with different vendors and sneaking individuals into the White House. Max Gao, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025 The bill seeking to classify TDS as a mental illness raises concerns about the politicization of mental health diagnoses, which could be used to misappropriate care, diminish other mental health concerns, and suppress dissent and political expression. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for misappropriate

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misappropriate was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Misappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misappropriate. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

misappropriate

verb
mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmis-ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
: to appropriate wrongly
especially : to take dishonestly for one's own use
misappropriation noun

Legal Definition

misappropriate

transitive verb
mis·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌmi-sə-ˈprō-prē-ˌāt How to pronounce misappropriate (audio)
: to appropriate wrongfully or unlawfully (as by theft or embezzlement)
misappropriation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on misappropriate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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