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

“Decisions regarding parking restrictions, enforcement activity, and which vehicles are impounded for special events are made by the City,” a spokesperson for Hollywood Tow said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Her car was impounded, and she was released just after 6 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Towing and impounding companies may auction unclaimed vehicles within a certain amount of time.

From Salon

The state’s vehicle code currently requires that cities and counties sell impounded vehicles that are worth more than $500 at auction.

From Los Angeles Times

The trader said he lost $60,000 last month after a container he imported from Kenya was impounded at the Congolese border for several weeks, rendering milk, cheese and sausages inedible.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• imprison
• seize