v. 1 pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, plight, deposit, Formal pignorate, Archaic gage, Colloq Brit pop, Chiefly US and Canadian hock I had to pawn my watch to get enough money to eat 2 venture, stake, risk, gamble, hazard, chance, jeopardize By agreeing to donate one of his kidneys, he pawned his life to save hers
n. 3 collateral, guaranty or guarantee, pledge, surety, security, assurance, bond, bail, deposit She gave her jewels as pawn for the safe return of the children