distrain
[ dih-streyn ]
/ dɪˈstreɪn /
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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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QUIZ YOURSELF ON “THEIR,” “THERE,” AND “THEY’RE”
Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.
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Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?
Origin of distrain
OTHER WORDS FROM distrain
Words nearby distrain
distractibility, distraction, distractive, distractor, distrail, distrain, distrainee, distraint, distrait, distraite, distraught
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for distrain
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, nounWord 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
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