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lustay

lustáy with stress marks

to embezzle; misappropriate

verb lus-TAY Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Lustay refers specifically to the misuse or squandering of funds entrusted to someone's care, often in a public or organizational context. It carries a strong moral connotation of betrayal of trust and is used in both formal and everyday discourse when discussing corruption or fiscal mismanagement.

Examples

Beginner

" Nilustay niya ang pera. "

Natural Translation

He embezzled the money.

Literal Translation

Embezzled he the money.

Intermediate

" Masama ang lustay ng pera. "

Natural Translation

Embezzling money is bad.

Literal Translation

Bad the embezzle of money.

Advanced

" Nahuli ang opisyal na naglustay ng pondo ng bayan na nakalaan sana para sa mga paaralan. "

Natural Translation

The official who embezzled the town funds meant for schools was caught.

Literal Translation

Was-caught the official who embezzled of fund of town that allotted hopefully for the schools.

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