Lien: meaning, definitions and examples

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lien

[liːn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal

A legal claim or right against a property, which is used as security for a loan or debt.

Synonyms

charge, claim, encumbrance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lien	This term is primarily used in legal and financial situations to describe a right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged. The bank has a lien on the house until the mortgage is paid off. He couldn't sell his car because there was a lien placed on it by the lender.
claim	This word is used in legal and financial contexts to describe a formal request for something that is owed, such as money or property. It might not necessarily imply possession or control over the asset. She filed a claim for the insurance money after the accident. The creditors have a claim on his estate.
encumbrance	This term is typically used in legal language to refer to any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to a property, affecting its transferability or value. The property had multiple encumbrances, making it difficult to sell. Before buying the property, they checked if there were any encumbrances.
charge	This term is often used in a broader sense in both financial and legal contexts to refer to a financial obligation or the right to claim property as collateral for debt. The mortgage company has a charge on the property. He realized the property had a legal charge against it.

Examples of usage

The bank has a lien on the house until the mortgage is paid off.
The mechanic placed a lien on the car until the repair bill was settled.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A binding or restrictive duty, obligation, or debt.

Synonyms

debt, duty, obligation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lien	A legal right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged. Often used in legal and financial contexts. The bank placed a lien on the property until the mortgage was paid off. He couldn't sell his car because there was a lien on it.
obligation	An act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment. Used in both formal and everyday settings. You have an obligation to attend the meeting.
duty	A moral or legal obligation; a responsibility. Often used in ethical or legal discussions. It's your duty to help out neighbors in need. The soldier fulfilled his duty to his country.
debt	An amount of money owed to a person or organization. Commonly used in everyday financial situations. She paid off her student debt after getting her first job. He is struggling to pay off his credit card debt.

Examples of usage

She felt a lien on her time due to her busy schedule.
There was a lien on his freedom because of his responsibilities.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

legal

To legally claim a right to property as security for a debt.

Synonyms

charge, claim, encumber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lien	Used in legal and financial contexts to describe a right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt owed by that person is discharged. The bank has a lien on the house until the mortgage is paid off. She couldn't sell her car because there was a lien on it.
claim	Often used to denote a demand for something due or believed to be due, such as money from an insurance policy or asserting a right to something. She filed a claim with the insurance company after the accident. He made a claim to the throne.
encumber	Typically used in legal and financial situations to describe a burden or impediment on property, such as a mortgage or other legal restriction. The land is encumbered by an easement. His inheritance was heavily encumbered with debts.
charge	Commonly used to indicate a financial obligation or cost associated with something. It can also describe a formal legal accusation. There is a $50 charge for late payments. He faced a serious charge of theft.

Examples of usage

The bank can lien the property if the loan is not repaid.
The mechanic may lien the vehicle until the repair bill is settled.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lien' comes from the Latin word 'ligamen', meaning 'binding', which highlights its legal nature.
The term has been used in English since the 15th century, displaying a long-standing connection to property and ownership.
Originally used in French law, it reflects the influence of French on English legal terminology.

Legal Context

Liens can be placed on real estate, vehicles, and other possessions, making it a common tool in debt collection.
A mortgage is a specific type of lien, where the bank claims the property until the loan is fully paid.
Not all liens are equal – some can take priority over others, depending on when they were filed.

Pop Culture

Liens often come up in courtroom dramas where disputes over property and debts lead to intense showdowns.
In popular songs, references to financial struggles can allude to liens as a metaphor for feeling trapped by debt.
Movies about real estate often showcase the tension that liens can create when trying to buy or sell a property.

Finance

Understanding liens is crucial for anyone entering into a loan agreement, as they affect your ownership rights.
Liens can impact your credit score if they result from unpaid debts, influencing your ability to secure future loans.
Some types of liens, such as tax liens, can lead to serious financial consequences, including foreclosure.

Cultural References

In various cultures, the concept of lien reflects the importance of trust and obligation in financial transactions.
Customs around debts and ownership can vary greatly, but the core idea of a lien as a claim is widely understood.
Art and literature sometimes explore themes of possession and financial entanglement through the lens of liens.

Translations

Translations of the word "lien" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lien

🇮🇳 लिअन

🇩🇪 Pfand

Verbindung
Verknüpfung
Lien

🇮🇩 hak gadai

🇺🇦 застава

зв'язок
посилання

🇵🇱 zastaw

🇯🇵 担保 (たんぽ)

🇫🇷 sûreté

🇪🇸 gravamen

🇹🇷 rehin

🇰🇷 유치권

🇸🇦 رهن

🇨🇿 zástava

🇸🇰 záložné právo

🇨🇳 留置权 (liúzhì quán)

🇸🇮 zastava

🇮🇸 veð

🇰🇿 кепіл

🇬🇪 გირაო

🇦🇿 girov

🇲🇽 gravamen

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,126, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4123 atomic
4124 qualifications
4125 collecting
4126 lien
4127 tie
4128 vacuum
4129 favorite
...