1 impound | Definition of impound

impound

verb
im·​pound | \ im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio) \
impounded; impounding; impounds

Definition of impound

transitive verb

1a : to shut up in or as if in a pound : confine
b : to seize and hold in the custody of the law
c : to take possession of she was dismissed and her manuscript impounded— Jonathan Weiner
2 : to collect and confine (water) in or as if in a reservoir

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Examples of impound in a Sentence

The police impounded her car because it was illegally parked. impound evidence for a trial

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the shelter, the pit bull has been impounded. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Connecticut Dog Owner Abandons 'Amazing' Pit Bull with Note Explaining They Couldn't Keep Her," 30 July 2019 It was impounded by state police and later searched, but there was no sign of foul play, police said. Staff And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, "Original Mouseketeer Dennis Day's former handyman arrested in his death in Oregon," 7 July 2019 Originally impounded in the late 1920s and early '30s, the lakes and dams were used to produce electricity. San Antonio Express-News, "Lakefront landowners left high and dry," 15 Aug. 2019 Its detention was at the center of a brewing crisis between Iran and the British government, which helped Gibraltar authorities impound the ship. Erin Cunningham, BostonGlobe.com, "Gibraltar releases Iranian supertanker despite US plea," 15 Aug. 2019 Law enforcement officials would not say why Moye chose to stop Luther or impound his car and declined to speculate on a motive in the shooting. Los Angeles Times, "Riverside shootout between cop doing his ‘dream job’ and troubled felon ends in heartbreak," 14 Aug. 2019 Two dogs were also found inside the residence, both of which since been turned over to the Human Society for care, as well as a number of firearms that were impounded. Joelle Goldstein, PEOPLE.com, "Couple Found Dead from Murder-Suicide After Man Said He Couldn't Afford Health Care for His Wife," 9 Aug. 2019 Another proposal would give motorists the ability to ask for an additional 24 hours to pay off boot fees or get on a payment plan before their vehicles are impounded over unpaid tickets. Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, "Chicago Mayor Proposes Reforms That Would Make Life Easier for Thousands of Black and Low-Income Drivers," 23 July 2019 Iran demanded the immediate release of one of its tankers impounded with the help of British forces in Gibraltar this week, an incident that has angered Tehran and exacerbated tensions between Iran and Western countries. Max Colchester, WSJ, "Iran Demands Return of Tanker Held in Gibraltar," 5 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impound.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of impound

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for impound

impound

verb

Financial Definition of impound

What It Is

In the real estate world, an impound is an account that mortgage companies use to collect property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance and other payments that are required by the homeowner but are not part of principal and interest. Impound accounts are also called escrow accounts.

How It Works

Let's say John Doe buys a house and borrows $100,000. The interest rate is 4%, and the loan is a 30-year mortgage. His monthly payment is $477.42, which includes interest and principal.

John Doe didn't put down 20%, so the lender requires an impound account. Every month, another $250 is deducted automatically from John's checking account and put in the impound account. This ensures that the money is there to pay the insurance and property tax bills when they arrive every six months.

Why It Matters

Impound accounts mitigate a lender's risk because they ensure that the homeowner won't lose the house (which is the bank's collateral for the mortgage) due to tax liens or unpaid insurance bills. Usually, the mortgage lender is responsible for paying the tax and insurance bills out of the impound account on time; however, if the mortgage lender fails to do so, the homeowner is still on the hook.

Usually, lenders require impound accounts when the borrower puts down less than 20% on a house. If the borrower puts down more than 20%, impound accounts aren't always required, though they are often convenient for ensuring that the bills are paid.

Source: Investing Answers

impound

verb

English Language Learners Definition of impound

: to use legal powers to get and hold (something)

impound

verb
im·​pound | \ im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio) \
impounded; impounding

Kids Definition of impound

: to shut up in or as if in an enclosed place impound cattle

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impound

transitive verb
im·​pound | \ im-ˈpau̇nd How to pronounce impound (audio) \

Legal Definition of impound

: to take control of in the custody of the law or by legal authority impound a vehicle the police impounded the dwelling until the search warrant was obtained

Other Words from impound

impoundment noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on impound

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with impound

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for impound

Spanish Central: Translation of impound

Nglish: Translation of impound for Spanish Speakers