impound

American  

[im-pound, im-pound] / ɪmˈpaʊnd, ˈɪm paʊnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to shut up in a pound or other enclosure, as a stray animal.

2. to confine within an enclosure or within limits.

   water impounded in a reservoir.

3. to seize and retain in custody of the law, as a document for evidence.

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noun

1. money, property, etc., that has been impounded.

   a sale of impounds by the police department.

impound British  

/ ɪmˈpaʊnd /

verb

1. to confine (stray animals, illegally parked cars, etc) in a pound

2. 1. to seize (chattels, etc) by legal right

   2. to take possession of (a document, evidence, etc) and hold in legal custody

3. to collect (water) in a reservoir or dam, as for irrigation

4. to seize or appropriate

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Other Word Forms

• impoundable adjective
• impoundage noun
• impounder noun
• unimpounded adjective

Etymology

Origin of impound

First recorded in 1545–55; im- ³ + pound ³

Example Sentences

Jones said, “We’re trying to wrap this scene as fast as possible. We may even process him” at the police impound lot.

From The Wall Street Journal

The city of Hermosa Beach enacted an emergency ordinance in June 2024 that set new rules for juvenile e-bikers and gave police the authority to impound the bikes of unsafe riders.

From Los Angeles Times

The Police Department issued 40 e-bike citations this year as of Nov. 13 and has impounded 19 e-bikes since the ordinance was adopted.

From Los Angeles Times

The merchant whose van was impounded fell foul of a rule covering "mobile vendors" that stipulates he must move his vehicle every four hours, Pisani explained.

From Barron's

Two days later, the Tesla was impounded and towed to the Hollywood yard.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imprison
• seize