subrogation

noun

sub·​ro·​ga·​tion ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən 

: 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

Examples of subrogation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Newsom’s bid to end subrogation, which was paired with a cap on attorney fees and other changes, failed this session. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Newsom’s administration had sought to bar insurers from suing utilities to recover payouts to policyholders after a fire, known as subrogation. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2026

No legislation has yet been filed to end what are called insurers’ subrogation claims. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

That means capping legal fees for predatory lawyers, blocking hedge funds from buying subrogation rights, and limiting third-party profiteering. — Adam Kovacevich, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subrogation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Legal Definition

subrogation

noun

sub·​ro·​ga·​tion ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən 

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.