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Pawned: meaning, definitions and examples

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pawned

 

[ pɔːnd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

financial transaction

To pawn something is to give an item to a pawnbroker in exchange for money, with the understanding that the item can be redeemed later by paying back the loan plus interest. This process typically involves leaving a valuable item, such as jewelry or electronics, as collateral. If the borrower fails to repay the loan within the agreed period, the pawnbroker may sell the item to recover the money. Pawning is a common alternative to traditional loans for those who may not have access to credit.

Synonyms

collateralize, hock, pledge

Examples of usage

  • She pawned her necklace for quick cash.
  • He decided to pawn his guitar to pay rent.
  • Many people pawn items during financial difficulties.

Translations

Translations of the word "pawned" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penhorado

🇮🇳 गिरवी रखा हुआ

🇩🇪 verpfändet

🇮🇩 digadaikan

🇺🇦 зданий у ломбард

🇵🇱 zastawiony

🇯🇵 質入れされた

🇫🇷 mis en gage

🇪🇸 empeñado

🇹🇷 rehin verilmiş

🇰🇷 전당포에 맡긴

🇸🇦 مُرْتَهَن

🇨🇿 zastavený

🇸🇰 zastavený

🇨🇳 典当的

🇸🇮 zastavljen

🇮🇸 pantsett

🇰🇿 қалпақталған

🇬🇪 პანჟირით შენახული

🇦🇿 zəmanət verilib

🇲🇽 empeñado

Etymology

The word 'pawn' stems from the Latin term 'pignus,' meaning 'pledge' or 'pledged thing.' The transition to the modern term 'pawn' occurred through the Old French word 'pan', which referred to a pledge or security. Initially, the concept of pawning items was associated with securing loans and financial transactions, evolving through medieval Europe where lending against valuable items became common. By the late Middle Ages, the practice had spread widely, and pawnbrokers became established as a significant part of the financial landscape, especially in urban areas. The use of the term has expanded over the centuries, but its core meaning has remained closely tied to the act of securing money through the temporary exchange of possession.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,018, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.