lien

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   A legal claim on someone's property that allows the holder to keep or sell it if a debt is not paid.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'a lien' or 'liens'. Often followed by 'on': a lien on the house.

   Patterns

   • a lien on something
   • file a lien
   • have a lien against something
   • release a lien

   The bank placed a lien on the house until the mortgage was fully paid.

   Before selling the car, check that there is no outstanding lien on it.

   The mechanic can keep your vehicle if you don't pay the bill, because he has a mechanic's lien.

Word forms

Common combinations

file a lien

The contractor filed a lien against the property for unpaid work.

release a lien

Once the debt was settled, the bank released the lien.

lien on

There is a lien on the car because of the unpaid loan.

tax lien

The government can issue a tax lien if you don't pay your taxes.

mechanic's lien

The repair shop has a mechanic's lien on the truck until the bill is paid.

Synonyms and how they differ

encumbrance

A broader term for any claim or liability attached to property, including liens, mortgages, and easements.

mortgage

A specific type of lien used to secure a loan for buying property; not all liens are mortgages.

claim

A general demand for money or property; a lien is a legal claim specifically tied to property as security for a debt.

Word family

lienholder noun

A person or company that holds a lien on someone's property.

lienor noun

A person who has a lien; a creditor with a legal claim on property.

Commonly confused: lien or lean? lien or lienor?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “lien”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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