levy

¹levy

noun \ˈle-vē\

plural lev·ies

Definition of LEVY

1

a : the imposition or collection of an assessment

b : an amount levied

2

a : the enlistment or conscription of men for military service

b : troops raised by levy

Examples of LEVY

1. <the legislators approved a new levy on imported cattle to help protect American ranchers>

Origin of LEVY

Middle English, from Anglo-French levé, literally, raising, from lever to raise — more at lever

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to LEVY

Synonyms

assessment, duty, imposition, impost, tax

Related Words

direct tax, personal tax; capitation, custom(s), excise, hidden tax, income tax, poll tax, property tax, sales tax, single tax, sin tax, tariff, toll, tribute, value-added tax, withholding tax; supertax, surcharge, surtax; death tax, estate tax, inheritance tax; flat tax, proportional tax

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with LEVY

bevy, heavy, levee

²levy

verb

lev·iedlevy·ing

Definition of LEVY

transitive verb

1

a : to impose or collect by legal authority <levy a tax>

b : to require by authority

2

: to enlist or conscript for military service

3

: to carry on (war) : wage

intransitive verb

: to seize property

— levi·er noun

Examples of LEVY

1. They levied a tax on imports.
2. The government will levy a fine on the company.

First Known Use of LEVY

14th century

Related to LEVY

Synonyms

conscribe, conscript, draft

Antonyms

remit

Related Words

impress, press; enlist, enroll (also enrol), recruit; call up; sign up, volunteer

Near Antonyms

discharge, muster out

Rhymes with LEVY

heavy