indebt

IPA/ˌɪndˈɛt/
IPA/ˌɪndˈɛt/

indebt — verb

  • indebtbase form
  • indebtsthird-person singular
  • indebtedpast simple / past participle
  • indebting-ing form

1. to make someone end up owing money or bound to pay back what they received from

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to make someone end up owing money or bound to pay back what they received from another person or group

例句

The hospital bill indebted Kevin to his uncle for several years.

indebt + person + to + creditor

One failed season indebted many farmers to the local bank.

同義詞
  • obligate

    broader and often more legal or formal; it is not limited to debt.

  • burden

    stresses the weight of the debt or duty more than the tie to a creditor.

  • encumber

    common in financial or legal contexts where debt or claims restrict freedom.

反義詞
  • free

    stresses removing the obligation or debt.

  • release

    common when someone is formally let out of a duty or payment.

文法句型

indebt someone to someone

be indebted to someone

indebt someone through a loan, bill, or major expense

用法筆記

Common in formal writing, especially about debt, a large expense, or a loan that creates a lasting obligation. Active uses often name the cause first, while passive uses are frequent when the creditor follows with 'to'.

常見錯誤

❌The company indebted after the lawsuit.
✅The lawsuit indebted the company heavily.
💡'indebt' is transitive, so it needs an object.
❌Her aunt indebted her money for school.
✅Her aunt lent her money for school, and the loan indebted her to the family.
💡'indebt' means create the obligation, not give the money itself.