constructive trust

noun

A trust created by operation of law where one party takes physical possession of property, but is legally required to use that property for the benefit of another party, in the absence of a written agreement.

Similar
involuntary trust
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Meanings

nounconstructive trust (plural constructive trusts)

plural constructive trusts

  1. A trust created by operation of law where one party takes physical possession of property, but is legally required to use that property for the benefit of another party, in the absence of a written agreement.

Synonyms & antonyms

nouna trust created by a court (regardless of the intent of the parties) to benefit a party that has been wrongfully deprived of its rights

Similar
involuntary trust
Broader
implied trust

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Cite this entry
APA

constructive trust. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/constructive%20trust

MLA

“constructive trust.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/constructive%20trust. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “constructive trust,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/constructive%20trust.

Source: constructive trust on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.