impound

verb

im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd 

impounded; impounding; impounds

transitive verb

1

a

: to shut up in or as if in a pound : confine

b

: to seize and hold in the custody of the law

c

: to take possession of

she was dismissed and her manuscript impounded

—Jonathan Weiner

2

: to collect and confine (water) in or as if in a reservoir

Examples of impound in a Sentence

The police impounded her car because it was illegally parked.

impound evidence for a trial

Recent Examples on the Web

Well, right after Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, the United States, and our global coalition partners, decided to freeze, to impound Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdiction. —ABC News, 16 June 2024

Underage riders found violating the rules could have their e-bikes impounded, and a parent or guardian would be on the hook for any impound fees. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024

Neither the chemicals or the water used in the system will have the opportunity to infiltrate water or soil since they’re impounded within the pipes, tanks and various other equipment in the extraction equipment. —Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024

And in December, 44 cars — linked to nearly $1 million in unpaid tolls and fines — were impounded in a toll enforcement blitz on the Verrazzano Bridge, according to officials. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

impound

verb

im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd 

1

: to shut up in or as if in an enclosed place

2

: to seize and hold in the hands of the law

impound evidence for a trial

impoundment

-ˈpau̇n(d)-mənt

noun

Legal Definition

impound

transitive verb

im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd 

: to take control of in the custody of the law or by legal authority

impound a vehicle

the police impounded the dwelling until the search warrant was obtained

impoundment noun