Definition

A person or entity that seizes someone's property to compel payment of a debt or obligation.

Example

The distrainor took the necessary steps to recover the unpaid rent by seizing the tenant's belongings.

Conversation

Did you hear about the distrainor that was causing trouble in town?

Yeah, I read something about that! It's crazy how they can take your stuff.

I know, right? It's a bit scary to think about losing your belongings to a distrainor.

Definitely! I would be so stressed if that happened to me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Distrainor → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "traine" (from Old French *traïner*, meaning to pull or drag). The word refers to a person who pulls or drags away property to enforce a claim or debt.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'pulls away' ('traine') something 'apart' ('dis-') to enforce a claim — that's what a distrainor does.

Visually Confused Words