Also means
obstacle, encumbrance
Usage Note
Hypothèque is the standard term for a mortgage on property. Prendre une hypothèque means to take out a mortgage; lever une hypothèque means to pay it off. Figuratively it is used to mean a burden or obstacle weighing on a project: lever une hypothèque sur l'avenir (to remove an obstacle to the future).
Examples
"Ils ont contracté une hypothèque sur leur maison."
Natural Translation
They took out a mortgage on their house.
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