impound

Everyday

1. (law) To impound means for the police or officials to take something away and keep it until rules are followed, such as a car, a dog or goods. tree →
2. To impound water means to hold it back behind a dam or wall, making a reservoir. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, a car parked illegally may be impounded and taken to a pound; the owner pays a fine to get it back. Stray animals can be impounded by the council. In geography, a dam impounds a river to make a lake. Phrases: car impound, impounded vehicle, impound lot (US).

Examples

• The police impounded the car because it had no insurance. tree →
• The stray dog was impounded until its owner came. tree →
• Customs officers impounded the fake trainers. tree →
• The dam impounds the river to make a reservoir. tree →
• Dad had to pay a fine to get the car back from the impound. tree →
• The ship was impounded at the port. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Related to «pound», a place where stray animals or towed cars are kept. Formal or legal; everyday words are «take away» or «seize».