Meaning of the word pawn in English
What does pawn mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
pawn
US /pɑːn/
UK /pɔːn/
Noun
1.
a chess piece of the smallest size and value, that can only move forward one square at a time (or two on its first move) and captures diagonally
Example:
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He sacrificed a pawn to gain a better position.
•
The white pawn moved two squares forward.
2.
a person used by others for their own purposes
Example:
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He felt like a mere pawn in their political game.
•
The dictator used his people as pawns to achieve his goals.
3.
an article left with a pawnbroker as security for money lent
Example:
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She put her necklace in pawn to pay for rent.
•
The watch was held as a pawn until the loan was repaid.
Verb
deposit (an article) with a pawnbroker as security for money lent
Example:
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He had to pawn his watch to get some cash.
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Many people pawn their valuables during hard times.