Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

distrain

verb

/dɪˈstreɪn/

Definition

To seize someone’s property in order to obtain payment of a debt or obligation.

Examples

The landlord had the right to distrain for unpaid rent.
After multiple warnings, the company decided to distrain the equipment for the unpaid invoice.
They were forced to distrain the assets of the business to recover their losses.

Meaning

Distrain refers to the legal process of taking possession of someone’s property when they fail to meet their financial obligations, such as paying a debt or fulfilling a contract.