impound

verb

im·​pound im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio)
impounded; impounding; impounds
Synonyms of impoundnext

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
impound a vehicle
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
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 Tesla in which she was discovered had been impounded in a Los Angeles tow yard. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 17 June 2026 After learning that Casey's car had been impounded, George went to retrieve the vehicle, and discovered a strong smell coming from the trunk. — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 The measure also would have required impounding trucks and imposing a $50,000 fine on the vehicles’ owners. — News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026 Police also impounded the e-motorcycle. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 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

Rhymes for impound

See All Rhymes for impound

Browse Nearby Words

impotentness
impound
impoundable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impound. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for impound

Nglish: Translation of impound for Spanish Speakers

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