'embezzle' originates from Middle English (late 16th century), probably from Old French verb forms such as 'embesillier' or similar, where the prefix 'em-' meant 'in' or 'into' and the root related to holding/keeping in trust.

'embezzle' appeared in Middle English as 'embesilen' (or similar spellings) and developed into modern English 'embezzle' through standard phonological and orthographic changes from Early Modern English.

Initially it carried senses related to placing in someone's care or custody; over time the meaning shifted to the modern sense of illegally taking or misappropriating assets entrusted to one's care.