collateral Definition
- 1something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default.
- 2additional but subordinate; secondary.
- 3accompanying or existing in a subordinate, corroborative, or indirect relationship.
Using collateral: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "collateral" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The bank required him to put up his house as collateral for the loan.
Example
The collateral damage from the bombing was extensive.
Example
The new evidence is collateral to the case.
collateral Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with collateral
beauty that arises from difficult or tragic circumstances
Example
The movie explores the concept of collateral beauty and how it can be found even in the darkest moments of life.
unintended harm caused to civilians and their property during a military operation
Example
The bombing resulted in significant collateral damage, including the destruction of several nearby buildings.
a legal doctrine that prevents a party from relitigating an issue already decided in a previous case
Example
The court applied the doctrine of collateral estoppel to prevent the defendant from arguing the same issue again.
Origins of collateral
from Latin 'collaterālis', meaning 'side by side'
Summary: collateral in Brief
The term 'collateral' [kəˈlætərəl] refers to something pledged as security for a loan, or something additional but subordinate. It can also describe a relationship that is indirect or corroborative. Examples include 'The bank required him to put up his house as collateral for the loan,' and 'The collateral damage from the bombing was extensive.' Phrases like 'collateral beauty' and 'collateral estoppel' extend the term's usage.
