1. To give or to assign a resource to a particular person or cause: "Some say that corrupt officials have been appropriating funds to spend on local projects in order to be re-elected by their constituencies or voters.
2. To take possession of something by force; such as, after a military invasion or conquest.
3. To identify or to set aside for a particular purpose: "The city council appropriated funds for building the new library and for expanding its educational system."
4. To take possession of or to make use of something for one's own purpose, often without permission: "Her brother is appropriating his sister's book without her consent or knowledge."