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1. The seizure or freezing of property by court order while an action is pending so that its ownership can be determined, it can be secured to be sold to satisfy a judgment, or its sale or transfer can be prevented so that any future judgment arising from the action may later be secured or satisfied. See also garnishment and replevin.
2. The writ ordering such a seizure or freezing of property.
3. In commercial law, the creation of a security interest in property when the debtor agrees to the security, receives value from the secured party, and obtains rights in the property.