impound

[v. im-pound; n. im-pound] /v. ɪmˈpaʊnd; n. 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.
noun
4.
money, property, etc., that has been impounded:
a sale of impounds by the police department.
Origin
1545-55; im-3 + pound3
Related forms
impoundable, adjective
impounder, noun
unimpounded, adjective
Examples from the web for impound
  • Large dams that impound large amounts of water have shown this many times over many years.
  • The army permitted the government to impound the plane only after several days.
  • The towing company and impound lot will generally also require cash or credit card, no checks.
British Dictionary definitions for impound

impound

/ɪmˈpaʊnd/
verb (transitive)
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
Derived Forms
impoundable, adjective
impoundage, impoundment, noun
impounder, noun
Word Origin and History for impound
v.

early 15c., "to shut up in a pen or pound," from assimilated form of in- "into, in" (see in- (2)) + pound (n.). Originally of cattle seized by law. Related: Impounded; impounding.