subrogation
noun
sub·ro·ga·tion
ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən 
: the act of subrogating
specifically
: the assumption by a third party (such as a second creditor or an insurance company) of another's legal right to collect a debt or damages
Cite this Entry
“Subrogation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subrogation. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
subrogation
noun
sub·ro·ga·tion
ˌsə-brō-ˈgā-shən
1
: an equitable doctrine holding that when a third party pays a creditor or obligee the third party succeeds to the creditor's rights against the debtor or obligor
also
: a doctrine holding that when an insurance company pays an insured's claim of loss due to another's tort the insurer succeeds to the insured's rights (as the right to sue for damages) against the tortfeasor
called also equitable subrogation
2
: an act or instance of subrogating
where an insurer has acquired by an assignment or by subrogation the right to recover for money—
J. M. Landers et al.
J. M. Landers et al.Note: Subrogation can take place either by operation of law or by contractual agreement.
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