impound Definition
- 1to seize and take legal custody of something, especially a vehicle, until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met
- 2to confine or restrict movement of animals by placing them in a pound
Using impound: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "impound" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The police impounded his car after he failed to pay the fine.
Example
The animal control officer impounded the stray dog.
Example
The landlord impounded the tenant's belongings for non-payment of rent.
impound Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for impound
Phrases with impound
a secured area where vehicles that have been impounded are stored
Example
The impoundment lot was full of cars that had been seized by the police.
Example
He had to pay an impound fee to get his car back from the tow yard.
a facility where lost, stray, or abandoned animals are taken and held until they can be returned to their owners or adopted
Example
The animal shelter has an impound area for dogs and cats.
Origins of impound
from Old French 'emprisonner', meaning 'to imprison'
Summary: impound in Brief
The verb 'impound' [ɪmˈpaʊnd] means to legally seize and take custody of something, often a vehicle, until a debt is paid or other claims are met. It can also refer to confining animals by placing them in a pound. Examples include 'The police impounded his car after he failed to pay the fine.' and 'The animal control officer impounded the stray dog.' Phrases like 'impoundment lot' and 'impound fee' relate to the storage of impounded vehicles.