What term refers to the right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt is paid?

The correct term that refers to the right to keep possession of property belonging to another person until a debt is paid is a lien. A lien is a legal claim or right against assets that are typically used as collateral to fulfill a debt. For instance, if a borrower fails to repay a loan, the lender may have the right to keep the borrower's property until the loan is settled.

This concept is essential in securing debts because it provides a legal framework that protects the interests of the creditor while allowing the borrower the continued use of the property until the debt obligation has been met. The ability to place a lien on property assures lenders that they can recover their losses in the event of default.

In contrast, collateral is property or assets pledged by a borrower as security for a loan, but it doesn't give the lender a right to possess the property until a debt is paid, which distinguishes it from a lien. A mortgage also involves a lien on real estate as collateral for a loan, but it specifically refers to the loan arrangement and the real property itself. An encumbrance is a broader term that refers to any claim or restriction on a property, not necessarily tied to a debt and does not imply the right to possession.