peculate
Definitions
To embezzle or misappropriate money or property entrusted to one's care, especially public funds.
贪污，挪用，侵吞（受托管的钱财，尤指公款）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin pecūlium 'private property' (one's own cattle/savings, from pecū 'cattle') + -ate (verb suffix) = 'to make something your private property.' To peculate is to quietly fold public or entrusted money into your own pocket — to treat what belongs to others as if it were your private herd. It shares its root with peculiar.
Root pecun still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
Rare and formal, found mostly in legal, historical, or journalistic writing about officials misusing public money; the noun is peculation and the agent peculator. In everyday English, 'embezzle' is the normal word — peculate is the bookish, often historical alternative.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The treasurer was accused of peculating public funds for years.
- 2.
Several officials peculated the relief money meant for victims.
- 3.
He was jailed for peculating from the company pension fund.
Easily Confused
peculate vs embezzle vs misappropriate — all mean taking entrusted money dishonestly. embezzle is the standard term (an employee embezzling from a firm); misappropriate is broader and can be careless misuse, not only theft; peculate is rare and formal, almost always about public/official funds. In normal writing, prefer embezzle.