What does it mean to misappropriate?

To misappropriate means to misuse something, typically in a context where it involves improper or illegal use of funds or resources. This term is often used in legal contexts, particularly concerning financial crimes, where someone might take money that belongs to someone else and use it for personal gain instead of the intended purpose.

The core concept revolves around the idea of taking something that should be used in a certain way and using it in a way that is inappropriate or unauthorized. This is why "misuse" accurately captures the essence of misappropriation, indicating that the item or resource in question is not being used as it should be.