impound
5 synonyms for impound, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To seize and hold something officially, often as a penalty or for legal reasons.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use impound
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
impound a vehicle
impound lot
impound funds
Etymology
From im- + pound (an enclosure for stray animals) — literally "to shut up in a pound."
Full origin of impound →Frequently asked questions
What does “impound” mean?
The word “impound” means to seize and hold something officially, often as a penalty or for legal reasons. In plain terms, to officially take and hold something, usually because a rule was broken.
How do you pronounce “impound”?
“Impound” is pronounced ihm-POWND (/ɪmˈpaʊ̯nd/ in IPA).
How do you use “impound” in a sentence?
Here is “impound” used in a sentence: “Police impounded the car after finding it had no valid insurance.”
What part of speech is “impound”?
Depending on how it is used, “impound” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “impound” have?
“Impound” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to seize and hold something officially, often as a penalty or for legal reasons.
