Repossess - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To repossess means to take back ownership of something, usually because the buyer failed to meet payment terms. It is commonly used for items like cars or homes.
Definition:
To take back property when payments are not made as agreed.
Synonyms:
reclaim, retrieve, seize, take back
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
surrender, relinquish
Common Collocations:
repossess a car, repossess property, repossess goods
Derivatives:
repossession, repossessor
Usage Tips:
Use "repossess" for legal reclaiming of items due to unpaid debts; often applies to vehicles or homes.
Common Phrases:
repossess the car, house in repossession, goods at risk of repossession
Etymology:
From Latin "re-" (again) + "possidere" (to possess), meaning to take possession again.
Examples:
- 1. The bank will repossess the car if payments stop.
- 2. They threatened to repossess his house after missed mortgage payments.
- 3. The lender can repossess goods if the loan defaults.
- 4. She lost her job and couldn’t avoid repossession of her furniture.