Definition

The legal process of taking someone's property to satisfy a debt or obligation.

Example

The landlord used distraint to recover unpaid rent from the tenant.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term distraint?

Yeah, I think it has to do with legal stuff, right?

Exactly, it's about the process of taking someone's property due to unpaid debts.

That sounds intense! I can see how that would be a serious situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Distraint is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart) and "tractus" (from the Latin "tractare", meaning to pull or draw). The term originally referred to the act of pulling away or seizing property to compel payment of a debt.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'pulled away' ('tractus') when it is taken 'apart' ('dis-') — that's why distraint means seizing property.

Visually Confused Words