Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb distrain

3 senses of distrain

Sense 1
distrain -- (levy a distress on)
       => levy, impose -- (impose and collect; "levy a fine")

Sense 2
distrain -- (confiscate by distress)
       => impound, attach, sequester, confiscate, seize -- (take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority; "The FBI seized the drugs"; "The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment"; "The police confiscated the stolen artwork")

Sense 3
distrain -- (legally take something in place of a debt payment)
       => reclaim, repossess -- (claim back)