What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impound
Example
The police impounded the car after discovering it was stolen. [impounded: past tense]
Example
The animal control officer impounded several dogs that were running loose in the neighborhood. [impound: verb]
detain
Example
The suspect was detained by the police for questioning. [detained: past tense]
Example
The flight was delayed due to a passenger being detained at the security checkpoint. [detained: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detain is more commonly used than impound in everyday language, as it can be used in a wider range of contexts. Impound is more specific and is typically used in legal or law enforcement contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between impound and detain?
Impound is generally more formal than detain, as it is often used in legal or official contexts. Detain can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
