distrain

[ dih-streyn ]

/ dɪˈstreɪn /

Law.

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verb (used with object)

to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim.

to levy a distress upon.

verb (used without object)

to levy a distress.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of distrain

1250–1300; Middle English distreinen<Anglo-French, Old French destreindre<Latin distringere to stretch out, equivalent to di-di-² + stringere to draw tight; see strain¹

OTHER WORDS FROM distrain

dis·train·a·ble, adjectivedis·train·ee, noundis·train·ment, noundis·trai·nor, dis·train·er, noun

un·dis·trained, adjective

Words nearby distrain

distractibility, distraction, distractive, distractor, distrail, distrain, distrainee, distraint, distrait, distraite, distraught

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use distrain in a sentence

I sent him a final demand yesterday; if he doesn't pay up within the week, my orders are to distrain without further notice.
Witching Hill|E. W. Hornung
And God will make it dearer to you, if you put him to distrain on you for duty.
A Christian Directory (Volume 1 of 4)|Richard Baxter
To distrain a debtor was illegal; any personal assault, however trifling, was sacrilege.
Ancient Art and Ritual|Jane Ellen Harrison
Her creditors had lost all patience, and were threatening to distrain on her property, and even to put her in prison.
The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume IV (of 8)|Guy de Maupassant

When the landlord wishes to distrain, after waiting seven years or so, he has to get a decree.
Ireland as It Is|Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

British Dictionary definitions for distrain

distrain

/ (dɪˈstreɪn) /

verb

law to seize (personal property) by way of distress

Derived forms of distrain

distrainable, adjectivedistrainment, noundistrainor or distrainer, noun

Word Origin for distrain

C13: from Old French destreindre, from Latin distringere to impede, from dis- 1 + stringere to draw tight

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012