Repossess

Pronunciation: /ˌriː.pəˈzɛs/

Definitions of repossess

verb to take back possession of something, especially when the owner has failed to make payments

Example Sentences

A1 The bank repossessed the car when the owner couldn't make the payments.

A2 If you don't pay your mortgage, the bank may repossess your house.

B1 The landlord had to repossess the apartment after the tenant violated the lease agreement.

B2 The government has the power to repossess property in cases of tax evasion.

C1 The company had to repossess the equipment due to breach of contract by the client.

C2 The bank repossessed the yacht after the owner defaulted on multiple loans.

Examples of repossess in a Sentence

formal The bank has the legal right to repossess the car if the loan is not repaid on time.

informal If you don't make your payments, they can come and repossess your car.

slang If you don't cough up the cash, they'll come and repo your ride.

figurative Failure to meet the deadline may result in the company's decision to repossess the project.

Grammatical Forms of repossess

• past tense: repossessed
• plural: repossess
• comparative: more repossess
• superlative: most repossess
• present tense: repossess
• future tense: will repossess
• perfect tense: have repossessed
• continuous tense: is repossessing
• singular: repossesses
• positive degree: repossess
• infinitive: to repossess
• gerund: repossessing
• participle: repossessing

Origin and Evolution of repossess

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'repossess' originates from the Latin word 'repossidere', which is a combination of 're-' meaning 'again' and 'possidere' meaning 'to have or hold'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in legal contexts to refer to the act of taking back possession of something, the word 'repossess' has evolved to also be used in the context of financial institutions reclaiming property or assets from individuals who have failed to make payments.