garnishment

American  

[gahr-nish-muhnt] / ˈgɑr nɪʃ mənt /

noun

1. Law.

   1. a warning, served on a third party to hold, subject to the court's direction, money or property belonging to a debtor who is being sued by a creditor.

   2. a summons to a third party to appear in litigation pending between a creditor and debtor.

2. adornment or decoration.

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garnishment British  

/ ˈɡɑːnɪʃmənt /

noun

1. the act of garnishing

2. decoration or embellishment; garnish

3. law

   1. a notice or warning

   2. obsolete a summons to court proceedings already in progress

   3. a notice warning a person holding money or property belonging to a debtor whose debt has been attached to hold such property until directed by the court to apply it

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Etymology

Origin of garnishment

First recorded in 1540–50; garnish + -ment

Example Sentences

“Actually there is a pause on that at the moment,” McMahon said in response to a question from a reporter about whether she was concerned wage garnishment would make struggling borrowers’ financial situation worse.

From MarketWatch

In addition, advocates and attorneys that work with borrowers say they have yet to see a large influx of borrowers subject to wage garnishment.

From MarketWatch

It said wage garnishment is conducted only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is known as a notice of administrative wage garnishment.

From Los Angeles Times

Through an IRS levy, you could face wage garnishment, have funds taken from your bank account or have your property seized.

From Salon