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.
Judge William Sullivan impounded the call, prohibiting the press from recording or broadcasting the audio. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 The law already in effect also allows the Illinois Secretary of State's Office to impound unregistered tow trucks and suspend tow truck registrations for unpaid Illinois Commerce Commission fines. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 29 July 2026 The prosecution alleges there is surveillance video of Burke driving his Tesla for the final time on July 29, 2025, shortly before leaving on tour, then parking it around the corner, where it was eventually impounded. — Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 28 July 2026 Police found Rivas’ remains after the Tesla was tagged as abandoned and impounded. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 July 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 5 Aug. 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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