Choose the correct one word substitution for the following description: Misappropriation of money, especially by someone in a position of trust.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests legal and financial vocabulary, specifically the distinction between different types of dishonest behaviour involving money. The phrase misappropriation of money indicates that funds have been used wrongly, usually by someone who was entrusted with them. The precise legal term for such conduct is embezzlement. Candidates must differentiate embezzlement from broader terms like robbery, theft, or fraud to choose the most accurate one word substitution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The phrase is: Misappropriation of money.

We assume that the person handling the money had lawful access but used it dishonestly.

The options are legal or semi legal terms linked with dishonest gain.

We must select the term that best fits the specific idea of misappropriation.

Only one option must be considered the most precise match.

Concept / Approach:

Misappropriation means using something, especially money, dishonestly or for an unauthorised purpose. When someone in a position of trust, such as a cashier, treasurer, or employee, diverts funds for personal use, the technical term is embezzlement. Robbery refers to taking property by force or threat, theft is a general word for stealing, and fraud refers to deceit for advantage. Extortion means obtaining something, often money, through threats or pressure. Among these, embezzlement is the term most closely tied to misappropriation of money entrusted to a person.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that misappropriation suggests wrongful use of money that was initially under someone's control lawfully. Step 2: Consider option a, embezzlement. This is defined as the theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer. Step 3: Consider option b, robbery. This is taking property from a person or place by force or threat and does not require prior lawful possession. Step 4: Consider option c, theft. This is a broad term for stealing but does not emphasise misuse by a trusted holder. Step 5: Consider option d, fraud. This involves cheating or deception to secure gain but is not limited to funds already entrusted. Step 6: Consider option e, extortion. This is obtaining money or favours through force, threats, or blackmail. Step 7: Conclude that embezzlement is the exact one word substitution for misappropriation of money.

Verification / Alternative check:

Example sentences confirm this: The accountant was arrested for embezzlement after diverting company funds to his personal account or The committee discovered embezzlement of charity money. The word misappropriation is frequently used in definitions of embezzlement, which reinforces that they are closely related concepts. Substituting robbery or extortion would change the nature of the crime described.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option b, robbery, focuses on force or the threat of force and not on misuse of entrusted funds.

Option c, theft, is too general and could apply to any stealing, even when the thief never had authorised access.

Option d, fraud, involves deception but may not specifically involve misusing money already in one's care.

Option e, extortion, centres on obtaining something through threats or intimidation rather than misusing money that was already under one's control.

Common Pitfalls:

Students may be tempted to select fraud or theft because these words appear often in news reports and seem to match any financial wrongdoing. However, one word substitution questions usually demand precision. It is important to pay attention to whether the phrase hints at force, deception, or wrongful use of something entrusted, and then choose the narrow term that fits that situation.

Final Answer:

The correct one word substitution is Embezzlement.