Meaning & Definition of Lien in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A claim or legal right against assets that are typically used as collateral to fulfill a debt.

  Example Sentence: The bank placed a lien on the property to secure the mortgage loan.

• Definition: A legal right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged.

  Example Sentence: The contractor filed a lien against the homeowner's property for unpaid work.

• Definition: A charge upon property for the payment of some debt or duty.

  Example Sentence: The mechanic's lien ensured that he would be paid for the repairs made on the car.

Etymology

Origin: From Middle English 'lien', derived from Old French 'lien' meaning 'to bind'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• mechanic's lien: A specific type of lien placed by a contractor against a property for unpaid work.
• tax lien: A legal claim by a government entity against the assets of an individual or business for unpaid taxes.
• judgment lien: A lien placed on a debtor's property after a court judgment has been made in favor of the creditor.
• artisan's lien: A lien that gives a craftsman the right to retain possession of a piece of work until they are paid.

Translations

• Spanish: gravamen

• French: privilège

• German: Pfandrecht

• Russian: залог

Related Words

• encumbrance: A claim or liability attached to a property.

• foreclosure: The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property when the borrower defaults on payments.

• collateral: An asset that a borrower offers to a lender to secure a loan.

Slang Meanings of lien

• Meaning: Used informally to refer to a heavy burden or obligation.

  Example Sentence: I feel like I have a lien on my time with all this work.