distrain
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.dis·train
verb \di-ˈstrān\Definition of DISTRAIN
transitive verb
1
: to force or compel to satisfy an obligation by means of a distress
2
: to seize by distress
intransitive verb
: to levy a distress
— dis·train·able \-ˈstrā-nə-bəl\ adjective
— dis·train·er \-ˈstrā-nər\ also dis·train·or \-ˈstrā-nər, -ˌstrā-ˈnȯr\ noun
Origin of DISTRAIN
Middle English distreynen, from Anglo-French destreindre, from Medieval Latin distringere, from Latin, to draw apart, detain, from dis- + stringere to bind tight — more at strain
First Known Use: 14th century
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