Lien: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.