defalcate

verb

de·​fal·​cate di-ˈfal-ˌkāt How to pronounce defalcate (audio)
-ˈfȯl-, 
dē-;
ˈde-fəl- How to pronounce defalcate (audio)
defalcated; defalcating

transitive verb

archaic : deduct, curtail

intransitive verb

law
: to intentionally or recklessly misuse funds in violation of a fiduciary duty
defalcator
di-ˈfal-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce defalcate (audio)
-ˈfȯl-, 
dē-;
ˈde-fəl-
noun

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin defalcatus, past participle of defalcare, from Latin de- + falc-, falx sickle

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of defalcate was in 1541

Rhymes for defalcate

See All Rhymes for defalcate

Browse Nearby Words

defailance
defalcate
defalcation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Defalcate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defalcate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

defalcate

intransitive verb
de·​fal·​cate di-ˈfal-ˌkāt, -ˈfȯl-, dē-; ˈde-fəl-ˌkāt How to pronounce defalcate (audio)
defalcated; defalcating
: to commit defalcation compare embezzle
defalcator
-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce defalcate (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on defalcate

Nglish: Translation of defalcate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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