impound

IPA

Dictionary definition of impound

To confiscate or seize something, typically by a government or legal authority.
"The bank can impound your assets if you default on a loan."

Detailed meaning of impound

This can include impounding vehicles that have been illegally parked, confiscating animals that have been neglected or abused, or seizing goods that are being smuggled or transported without proper authorization. Impoundment often involves the temporary or permanent removal of the item in question, and may be carried out for various reasons, such as public safety, environmental protection, or law enforcement. Impoundment may also involve the payment of fees or fines in order to retrieve the item, and failure to do so may result in further legal action. Overall, the term "impound" suggests a sense of authority, control, and enforcement, and is often used to describe the legal or governmental seizure of property or assets.

Example sentences of impound

1. The police had to impound the vehicle due to expired registration.
2. Customs officials may impound illegal shipments at the border.
3. Unpaid parking fines can lead to your car being impounded.
4. The government decided to impound the smuggled goods.
5. Authorities often impound evidence in criminal investigations.
6. In some cases, they can impound your assets for tax evasion.

History and etymology of impound

The verb 'impound' has an etymology rooted in Old French and Latin. It is derived from the Old French word 'empounder,' which means 'to place in a pound' or 'to confine.' This Old French term, in turn, can be traced back to Latin, specifically the word 'imponere,' which combines 'in,' meaning 'in' or 'into,' and 'ponere,' meaning 'to put' or 'to place.' The etymology of 'impound' underscores the action of placing something into confinement or custody, often by a government or legal authority. It signifies the act of seizing or confiscating property, typically as a result of a legal procedure or regulation, and placing it in a secure location or pound. The term's historical development reflects the idea of restricting or containing something for legal or regulatory purposes.

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Further usage examples of impound

1. Animal control may impound stray dogs to ensure public safety.
2. The court can order to impound documents related to a case.
3. Authorities will impound counterfeit merchandise to protect consumers.
4. They had to impound the boat for violating fishing regulations.
5. During protests, police may impound items deemed dangerous.
6. The police impound vehicles parked in no-parking zones.
7. The city authorities impound stray animals to ensure public safety.
8. They impound illegal substances during drug raids.
9. The government can impound counterfeit goods to protect consumers.
10. The impound yard holds vehicles until their owners pay fines or retrieve them.
11. They impound evidence during criminal investigations.
12. The impound fee must be paid before you can reclaim your vehicle.
13. The airport security may impound prohibited items from passengers' luggage.
14. The impound process involves documenting and storing confiscated items.
15. The impoundment of firearms is standard procedure during domestic disputes.
16. The impound lot is overflowing with abandoned cars.
17. They impound vehicles involved in hit-and-run accidents.
18. The impoundment of the smuggled goods led to several arrests.
19. The authorities impound vehicles with expired registration.
20. The impoundment of the stolen artwork resulted in its safe return to the owner.
21. The impound area is strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel.
22. The police impound vehicles used in the commission of a crime.
23. The impound yard is equipped with surveillance cameras for security purposes.
24. They impound boats found operating without the necessary permits.

Synonyms

imprison

IPA