impound

verb

im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio)
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 impoundedJonathan 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vehicle was impounded at the Miami-Dade Police Department as evidence. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The tow truck that was used to bring the baby to the hospital was impounded by police as possible evidence in a crime. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2024 Corbin did testify that a pistol found inside of Robinson's car was a significant factor in the decision to impound the car, but tests showed the gun was not connected to the shooting police were investigating. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 20 Sep. 2024 The unidentified juror’s affidavit was filed in support of a motion to indefinitely impound the jury list — which Read case Judge Beverly Cannone approved. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for impound 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of impound was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near impound

Cite this Entry

“Impound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impound. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

impound

verb
im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio)
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 How to pronounce impound (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on impound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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