impound
verb
im·pound
im-ˈpau̇nd 
impounded; impounding; impounds
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
Jonathan Weiner2
: 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
The vehicle was impounded last week after being abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, where neighbors complained of a rotting smell.
—Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
If scooters or bikes are abandoned or illegally parked, they can be impounded by the city.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Two vehicles were impounded for 30 days and eight traffic citations were issued.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Wetlands need restoration to impound phosphorus that pours from extinct volcanoes and prevent the growth of deadly algae.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impound
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Andrew Flanagan, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
If scooters or bikes are abandoned or illegally parked, they can be impounded by the city.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Two vehicles were impounded for 30 days and eight traffic citations were issued.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Wetlands need restoration to impound phosphorus that pours from extinct volcanoes and prevent the growth of deadly algae.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impound
Cite this Entry
“Impound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impound. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
-ˈpau̇n(d)-mənt
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
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