Repossessed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repossessed

[หŒriหpษ™หˆzษ›st ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial recovery

Repossessed refers to the act of reclaiming property, often due to the owner's failure to meet the payment obligations, such as defaulting on loans. In this context, it usually pertains to vehicles or real estate that lenders take back when the borrower defaults.

Synonyms

recovered, retrieved, taken back.

Examples of usage

  • The bank repossessed the car after missing multiple payments.
  • She was distressed when her home was repossessed due to foreclosure.
  • After the loan default, the motorcycle was repossessed by the dealership.

Translations

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Origin of 'repossessed'

The term 'repossessed' is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning to again or back, and the word 'possess', which comes from the Latin 'possidere', meaning to hold or occupy. The practice of repossession has its roots in ancient legal systems where lenders had the right to reclaim property if the borrower defaulted on an obligation. Over time, as lending and credit systems evolved, repossession became a common practice in modern finance, especially in consumer loans and mortgages. The concept emphasizes the balance between ownership and financial responsibility, illustrating that individuals can lose their possessions when obligations are not met.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,216, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.