Final answer:
Collateral is any physical possession that a creditor can take over if a debtor fails to pay back a loan. It is often property or equipment that the lender can seize and sell to recover the loan amount.
Step-by-step explanation:
Collateral is any physical possession that a creditor is allowed to take over if a debtor fails to pay back a loan. It is often property or equipment that the lender can seize and sell to recover the loan amount. Examples of collateral can include a car, real estate, or even inventory for a business loan.