encashed

Encashed is a term primarily used in finance and commerce to describe the act of converting a financial instrument or asset into cash. This typically involves presenting a check, bond, coupon, or other negotiable document to a bank or financial institution for immediate payment. The process of encashing means that the holder of the instrument receives the monetary value in the form of physical currency or a direct credit to their account, thereby liquidating the asset.

For example, a person might encash a check received as a gift by taking it to their bank and withdrawing the amount in cash. Similarly, certain types of bonds or coupons that represent a right to a future payment can be encashed before their maturity date, often with a discount applied. The term implies a finality to the transaction, where the instrument is surrendered and its value realized.

In a broader sense, "encashed" can also refer to the realization of benefits or opportunities. For instance, a company might be said to have "encashed" a new market by successfully launching products and generating significant revenue. However, the most common and direct meaning relates to the conversion of financial assets into readily available funds. This act often signifies the completion of a financial transaction or the fulfillment of a claim.