collateralize

verb

col·​lat·​er·​al·​ize kə-ˈla-t(ə-)rə-ˌlīz How to pronounce collateralize (audio)
collateralized; collateralizing

transitive verb

1
: to make (a loan) secure with collateral
2
: to use (something, such as securities) for collateral

Examples of collateralize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bank will collateralize the loan against a special assessment. — Gary Singer, sun-sentinel.com, 18 Nov. 2021 Additionally, pawn shops hold large amounts of gold, and many loans are collateralized by gold jewelry. — Itzel Franco, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 The loan was collateralized by a mortgage on certain of Campbell's real property. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 Historically, Black farmers have been required to over collateralize, compared to White famers. — Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2020 See All Example Sentences for collateralize

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collateralize was in 1941

Rhymes for collateralize

See All Rhymes for collateralize

Browse Nearby Words

collaterality
collateralize
collaterally
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collateralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collateralize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Legal Definition

collateralize

transitive verb
col·​lat·​er·​al·​ize kə-ˈla-tə-rə-ˌlīz, -ˈla-trə- How to pronounce collateralize (audio)
collateralized; collateralizing
1
: to make (a loan) secure with collateral
2
: to use (as securities) for collateral
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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