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

In addition, even if no budget has been passed, various authority figures within the federal government have threatened to impound any such funds even if they are authorized by Congress. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Oct. 2025

When her car, her only lifeline, is stolen and impounded, Ogle is thrust into a relentless legal battle against an indifferent system. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

While police have impounded six e-bikes in PB in the past two weeks, Dishman said violations are mostly committed by young riders in middle or high school, not adults. —Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025

Fox 11 Los Angeles reported the vehicle was impounded at Hollywood Tow, where workers noticed the foul smell, and that the body was found wrapped in a bag. —Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for impound

• abound
• aground
• around
• astound
• background
• campground
• clothbound
• confound
• earthbound
• eastbound
• expound
• fairground

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