SINCE 1828

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subrogation

noun sub·ro·ga·tion \ ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən \

Definition of subrogation

: the act of subrogating; specifically : the assumption by a third party (such as a second creditor or an insurance company) of another's legal right to collect a debt or damages

First Known Use of subrogation

15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Law Dictionary

subrogation

noun sub·ro·ga·tion \ ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən \

legal Definition of subrogation

1 : an equitable doctrine holding that when a third party pays a creditor or obligee the third party succeeds to the creditor's rights against the debtor or obligor; also : a doctrine holding that when an insurance company pays an insured's claim of loss due to another's tort the insurer succeeds to the insured's rights (as the right to sue for damages) against the tortfeasor — called also equitable subrogation

2 : an act or instance of subrogating

where an insurer has acquired by an assignment or by subrogation the right to recover for money
—J. M. Landers et al.

Note: Subrogation can take place either by operation of law or by contractual agreement.

Learn More about subrogation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about subrogation

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