Definition

The act of giving goods or personal property to someone else to keep safe or to use, with the understanding that it will be returned later.

Example

The bailment of the car allowed me to borrow it for the weekend while my own was in the shop.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term bailment?

Yeah, I think it refers to when someone temporarily gives their belongings to another person, right?

Exactly! I read about it in a law class and found it really interesting.

It is interesting! I guess it’s important to understand how trust works in those situations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bailment → It is formed from 'bail' (from Old French *bailler*, meaning to deliver or give) and '-ment' (a suffix indicating the action or result of a verb). The word 'bailment' refers to the act of delivering goods or property to another party for a specific purpose, with the expectation of returning it later.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bail' meaning to 'deliver' something, and '-ment' indicating the action of that delivery. This helps you remember that bailment is about the act of delivering goods for a specific purpose.

Visually Confused Words