garnishee
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɡɑːr.nɪˈʃiː/
KK: /ˈɡɑrnɪˌʃi/
noun
Definition
A person or entity that is ordered by a court to hold or pay money or property that belongs to someone else, usually in relation to a legal case.
Example
The garnishee was required to withhold a portion of the defendant's wages to satisfy the debt.
Conversation
Did you hear about the case involving a garnishee?
Yeah, I read something about it; it's pretty complicated.
I find it interesting how a garnishee can be affected by someone else's debt.
Absolutely, it's wild how legal stuff can impact everyday people.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
debtor
defendant
respondent
Antonyms
creditor
plaintiff
claimant
transitive verb
Definition
To legally require a third party to withhold money or property from a person to satisfy a debt or obligation.
Example
The court decided to garnishee the employee's wages to pay off the debt.
Tense Forms
Past: garnisheed
Past Participle: garnisheed
Conversation
Did you hear about how they might garnishee his wages?
No, I didn't! What happened?
He hasn't been paying his bills, so they decided to take action.
Root Explanation
**Garnishee** → The word originates from Old French *garnir*, meaning to equip or furnish. In legal terms, a garnishee is a person or entity that is required to withhold funds or property to satisfy a debt. The term reflects the idea of equipping or providing for the creditor's claim.
Memory Tip
Think of 'garnir' meaning to 'equip' or 'furnish' — a garnishee is someone who provides or withholds funds to satisfy a debt.
Visually Confused Words
ungarnished
garish