Lekötés

Lekötés is a Hungarian noun derived from the verb leköt meaning to bind, tie up, or commit. The term is used across different domains to describe the act of securing or immobilizing something, and its precise sense depends on context. In everyday language it can refer to physically binding or fastening objects, while in financial or legal language it denotes binding commitments or immobilized resources.

In physical or practical contexts lekötés refers to securing items by tying, fastening, or strapping them to ensure stability or safety. Examples include securing cargo for transport, attaching parts so they do not move, or binding objects together in a way that prevents tampering or separation. The sense emphasizes a deliberate action to restrict movement or access.

In finance lekötés most commonly denotes the act of locking funds for a fixed period. A sum can be lekötött in a term deposit or similar instrument, meaning it cannot be freely withdrawn until the end of the term. The duration is called lekötési idő, and the amount that is locked, the lekötött összeg, typically earns a higher interest rate than freely available funds. Early withdrawal often incurs penalties.

In legal and contractual language lekötés can describe a binding commitment or obligation that constrains the parties involved. This usage highlights the enforceability of a provision or the binding nature of a collateral arrangement or pledge related to an agreement.

Overall, lekötés conveys the idea of making something secure or inaccessible for a period or under certain conditions, whether it concerns physical objects, money, or legal duties.