hypothecate

1 of 2

verb (1)

hypothecated; hypothecating

transitive verb

: to pledge as security without delivery of title or possession

hypothecate

2 of 2

verb (2)

hypothecated; hypothecating

Examples of hypothecate in a Sentence

Verb (2) even before a single vote had been cast, media pundits were hypothecating that the former senator would be the party's nominee

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Medieval Latin hypothecare to pledge, from Late Latin hypotheca pledge, from Greek hypothēkē, from hypotithenai to put under, deposit as a pledge

Verb (2)

Greek hypothēkē suggestion, from hypotithenai

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1681, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypothecate was in 1681

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near hypothecate

Cite this Entry

“Hypothecate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypothecate. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

hypothecate

transitive verb
hypothecated; hypothecating
: to pledge as security without delivery of title or possession compare pawn
Etymology

Transitive verb

Medieval Latin hypothecare to pledge, from Late Latin hypotheca pledge, from Greek hypothēkē, from hypotithenai to put under, deposit as pledge

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