Dictionary

1mortgage

noun mort·gage \ˈmr-gij\

: a legal agreement in which a person borrows money to buy property (such as a house) and pays back the money over a period of years

Full Definition of MORTGAGE

1
:  a conveyance of or lien against property (as for securing a loan) that becomes void upon payment or performance according to stipulated terms
2
a :  the instrument evidencing the mortgage
b :  the state of the property so mortgaged
c :  the interest of the mortgagee in such property
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Origin of MORTGAGE

Middle English morgage, from Anglo-French mortgage, from mort dead (from Latin mortuus) + gage gage — more at murder
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

2mortgage

verb

: to give someone a legal claim on (property that you own) in exchange for money that you will pay back over a period of years

mort·gagedmort·gag·ing

Full Definition of MORTGAGE

transitive verb
1
:  to grant or convey by a mortgage
2
:  to subject to a claim or obligation :  pledge

First Known Use of MORTGAGE

15th century

Related to MORTGAGE

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer
MORTGAGE Defined for Kids

1mortgage

noun mort·gage \ˈmr-gij\

Definition of MORTGAGE for Kids

1
:  a transfer of rights to a piece of property (as a house) that is usually in return for a loan of money and that is canceled when the loan is paid
2
:  the document recording such a transfer

2mortgage

verb
mort·gagedmort·gag·ing

Definition of MORTGAGE for Kids

:  to transfer rights to a piece of property in return for a loan of money with the understanding that the rights end when the loan is paid
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