The word "embezzlers" is spelled with four syllables: /ɪmˈbɛz.lərz/. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the final syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound. The spelling of the word reflects the pronunciation of each individual sound, with "em-" representing the first syllable's stress, "-bezz-" representing the middle syllables, and "-lers" for the final syllable. "Embezzlers" refers to people who steal money or property from their employers, and is a serious white-collar crime.
Embezzlers refer to individuals who engage in the illegal act of embezzlement. Embezzlement is a white-collar crime where someone entrusted with funds or assets wrongfully appropriates or misappropriates them for personal use, without the consent or knowledge of the owner. Embezzlers typically have legitimate access to the funds or assets due to their position or role within an organization, such as an employee, manager, or executive.
Embezzlers exploit the trust placed in them by diverting the funds or assets to their own benefit, often in a gradual and inconspicuous manner. They may manipulate financial records, create fictitious transactions, or forge documents to cover their tracks and deceive both the owner and auditors. Embezzlement can occur in various settings, including businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and even personal situations.
The act of embezzlement often involves a breach of fiduciary duty, as the embezzlers breach the trust bestowed upon them by the owner or entity. If convicted, embezzlers can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and restitution orders to return the misappropriated funds or assets.
Efforts to prevent embezzlement include implementing robust internal controls, conducting regular audits, segregating financial duties, and promoting transparency and accountability within organizations. These practices help safeguard against potential embezzlement schemes and protect the financial integrity of individuals, entities, and institutions.
The word "embezzlers" has its etymology rooted in the Middle English term "embezeler", which is derived from the Old French word "embezeler". In turn, the Old French word comes from the verb "embezeler", meaning "to misappropriate". "Embezeler" is believed to have originated from the Vulgar Latin word "intambizare", which combines the prefix "in-" (meaning "inward") and the Late Latin word "tambizare" (meaning "hoard" or "store up"). Ultimately, the root of the word can be traced back to the Latin word "tamen", meaning "however" or "nevertheless". Therefore, the term "embezzlers" has a historical linguistic lineage leading back to Latin, through Old French and Middle English.