impound

[ verb im-pound; noun im-pound ]
/ verb ɪmˈpaʊnd; noun ˈɪm paʊnd /

verb (used with object)

to shut up in a pound or other enclosure, as a stray animal.
to confine within an enclosure or within limits: water impounded in a reservoir.
to seize and retain in custody of the law, as a document for evidence.

noun

money, property, etc., that has been impounded: a sale of impounds by the police department.

Origin of impound

First recorded in 1545–55; im-3 + pound3

OTHER WORDS FROM impound

im·pound·a·ble, adjective im·pound·er, noun un·im·pound·ed, adjective

Words nearby impound

impostume, imposture, imposure, impotence, impotent, impound, impoundment, impoverish, impoverished, impower, impracticable

Words related to impounding

imprison, seize, keep, pen, enclose, take, hold, cage

Example sentences from the Web for impounding

British Dictionary definitions for impounding

impound
/ (ɪmˈpaʊnd) /

verb (tr)

to confine (stray animals, illegally parked cars, etc) in a pound
  1. to seize (chattels, etc) by legal right
  2. to take possession of (a document, evidence, etc) and hold in legal custody
to collect (water) in a reservoir or dam, as for irrigation
to seize or appropriate

Derived forms of impound

impoundable, adjective impoundage or impoundment, noun impounder, noun