Definition

Describing something that is subject to being taken by the state when an owner dies without a will or heirs.

Example

The property was deemed escheatable because the owner had no relatives to inherit it.

Conversation

I was reading about property laws and came across the term escheatable.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to property that can be claimed by the state if the owner dies without a will.

That’s interesting! I didn’t know there were rules like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Escheatable is formed from "escheat" (from Old French *escheat*, meaning to fall to) and the suffix "-able" (meaning capable of). The term refers to property that can revert to the state or government when the owner dies without heirs or a will.

Memory Tip

Think of property that 'falls to' the state ('escheat') and is 'capable of' being claimed ('-able'). This helps you remember that 'escheatable' refers to property that can revert to the state.

Visually Confused Words