Definition

The activity of lending money in exchange for personal items that can be sold if the loan is not paid back.

Example

He started a pawnbroking business to help people get quick cash for their valuables.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about pawnbroking as a way to make some extra cash?

Not really, but it sounds interesting!

Yeah, you can sell or loan things you no longer need through pawnbroking.

That makes sense; it's a good way to get value from your old stuff!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pawnbroking is formed from "pawn" (from Old French *pan, pahn*, meaning a pledge or something given as security) and "broking" (from Old English *brocian*, meaning to broker or act as an intermediary). The term refers to the practice of lending money in exchange for a pledge or item of value as security.

Memory Tip

Think of giving something valuable as a 'pledge' ('pawn') to get money, and 'broking' means acting as a middleman in that exchange.

Visually Confused Words