What does 'plagiarism' mean?

Plagiarism is defined as the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own. This can occur in various forms, such as copying text, using someone else's research without proper attribution, or presenting others' thoughts and insights as if they are original contributions. It's an ethical violation in both academic and professional contexts because it undermines the integrity of the work and can lead to serious consequences for the individual involved. In this case, the correct choice clearly captures the essence of what plagiarism entails, emphasizing the wrongful appropriation of another's intellectual property.

Other options, while related to writing and research practices, do not encapsulate the true nature of plagiarism. Using images in an essay can be permissible if proper credit is given. Summarizing information is a legitimate method of engaging with sources, provided that it is clearly cited. Lastly, the use of footnotes is a standard academic practice that helps to give credit to original sources and is thus contrary to the concept of plagiarism.