lien
1 synonym for lien, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A legal right to hold or sell someone's property until a debt owed on it is paid off.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lien
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
place a lien
lien on the property
release a lien
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French lien ("bond, tie"), from Latin ligare, "to bind" — the same root as ligament.
Full origin of lien →Frequently asked questions
What does “lien” mean?
The word “lien” means a legal right to hold or sell someone's property until a debt owed on it is paid off. In plain terms, a legal claim on property that lets a creditor get paid before the owner can freely sell it.
How do you pronounce “lien”?
“Lien” is pronounced leen (/liːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “lien” in a sentence?
Here is “lien” used in a sentence: “The contractor placed a lien on the house after the owner missed payments.”
What part of speech is “lien”?
“Lien” is a noun.
Where does the word “lien” come from?
The word “lien” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Middle French lien ("bond, tie"), from Latin ligare, "to bind" — the same root as ligament.
Is “lien” a common word?
“Lien” is an uncommon word in modern English.
