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Empound vs. Impound: Mastering the Correct Spelling

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 11, 2024
Empound vs. Impound: "Empound" is an incorrect spelling; the correct spelling is "Impound," which means to take possession of, typically by legal authority.

Which is correct: Empound or Impound

How to spell Impound?

Empound is Incorrect

Impound is Correct

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Key Differences

Memory Aid 5: Associate the sound of the first syllable "Im-" with "In" - when something is taken in, it's impounded.
Memory Aid 1: Think of the letter "I" in "Impound" as someone saying "I have taken your car"; this will remind you of the confiscation action.
Memory Aid 4: Think of the phrase "IMmediate POUNDing" to remember "Impound."
Memory Aid 3: The prefix "Im-" often signifies "in or into" as in immerse or implant. So, "Impound" means to take "in" custody.
Memory Aid 2: "Empound" sounds like "Emu" (a bird). Remember: birds don't impound; officials do.
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Correct usage of Impound

He was worried they would empound his belongings left outside.
He was worried they would impound his belongings left outside.
The city decided to empound vehicles parked illegally.
The city decided to impound vehicles parked illegally.
The company had the right to empound products that violated regulations.
The company had the right to impound products that violated regulations.
The police had to empound his car after the chase.
The police had to impound his car after the chase.
She wanted to empound the stray dog she found in her yard.
She wanted to impound the stray dog she found in her yard.

Impound Definitions

To seize and hold in custody, especially by legal authority.
The police impounded the stolen vehicle.
To withhold something temporarily for legal or regulatory reasons.
Customs officials impounded the illegal goods.
To take possession of, especially for public use.
The city impounded abandoned houses for redevelopment.
To shut up in a pen or pound.
Stray dogs were impounded by the authorities.
To confine in or as if in a pound
Capture and impound stray dogs.
To place (something) in legal custody until a dispute involving it is decided
Impounding ballots in a disputed election.
To set aside in a fund rather than spend as prescribed
A governor who impounded monies designated for use by cities.
To accumulate and store in a reservoir
By damming the stream, the engineers impounded its waters for irrigation.
A place where impounded property is stored, as a lot for keeping vehicles that have been towed by police order.
The process or activity of impounding something
The impound of the uninsured car.
(transitive) To shut up or place in an enclosure called a pound.
His car was impounded after he parked it illegally.
(transitive) To hold back.
Water impounded by a dam
To hold in the custody of a court or its delegate.
To impound stray cattle; to impound a document for safekeeping.
To collect and hold (funds) for payment of property taxes and insurance on property in which one has a security interest.
A place in which impounded things are stored.
(uncountable) The state of being impounded.
That which has been impounded.
Amounts collected from a debtor and held by one with a security interest in property for payment of property taxes and insurance.
To shut up or place in an inclosure called a pound; hence, to hold in the custody of some authority such as police or a court; as, to impound stray cattle; to impound an illegally parked car; to impound a document for safe keeping.
But taken and impounded as a stray,The king of Scots.
Take temporary possession of as a security, by legal authority;
The FBI seized the drugs
The customs agents impounded the illegal shipment
The police confiscated the stolen artwork
Place or shut up in a pound;
Pound the cows so they don't stray
To collect or gather into a reservoir.
The dam impounds waters from the river.

Impound Sentences

The impound lot was full of cars that had been towed.
The police impound bikes that are left in prohibited areas.
They impound stray animals to keep the streets safe.
The city will impound your car if you owe a lot in parking tickets.
The impound fee increases the longer your vehicle is held.
Getting your property back from impound can be a lengthy and expensive process.
You have a limited time to retrieve items from the impound before they are auctioned.
The government can impound land for public use or safety.
The impound yard is located on the outskirts of the city.
The airport authorities can impound prohibited items in your luggage.

FAQs

Why is it called Impound?

It's called "Impound" because it comes from the terms "in" and "pound", implying taking something into a confined space or custody.

What is the verb form of Impound?

The verb form is "Impound."

What is the pronunciation of Impound?

It's pronounced as /ɪmˈpaʊnd/.

What is the plural form of Impound?

The verb "Impound" doesn't have a plural form. However, the noun "impoundment" can be pluralized as "impoundments."

Which vowel is used before Impound?

The vowel "I" is used before Impound.

What is the root word of Impound?

The root is "pound," with "im-" serving as a prefix.

Which preposition is used with Impound?

"By" as in "impounded by the police."

Is the word Impound is imperative?

"Impound" can be used in the imperative mood (e.g., "Impound the car!"), but the word itself is not an imperative.

What is the singular form of Impound?

The singular form is "Impound."

Which conjunction is used with Impound?

Any conjunction can be used with "Impound," depending on the sentence. E.g., "and," "but," "or."

Which article is used with Impound?

The definite article "the" and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" can be used depending on the sentence context.

Is Impound a vowel or consonant?

"Impound" is a word, not a single letter. It contains both vowels and consonants.

Is Impound a countable noun?

When used as a noun (like in "impound lot"), it is countable.

Is the Impound term a metaphor?

No, "Impound" is not inherently a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically.

Is Impound a collective noun?

No, "Impound" is not a collective noun.

What is another term for Impound?

Another term is "confiscate" or "seize."

What is the first form of Impound?

The first form is "Impound."

What is the third form of Impound?

The third form is "Impounded."

How is Impound used in a sentence?

"The police decided to impound the illegally parked vehicle."

Is Impound a noun or adjective?

"Impound" is primarily a verb, but it can also be a noun (as in "an impound lot").

Is Impound an abstract noun?

No, "Impound" is not an abstract noun.

What is the opposite of Impound?

The opposite would be "release" or "return."

Which determiner is used with Impound?

Determiners such as "the," "this," "that," "my," "her" can be used with "Impound" depending on the sentence.

Is Impound an adverb?

No, "Impound" is not an adverb.

Is Impound a negative or positive word?

Neutral by itself, but it often has negative connotations, especially when referring to legal seizure.

How many syllables are in Impound?

There are two syllables in "Impound."

How do we divide Impound into syllables?

It divides as Im-pound.

What is a stressed syllable in Impound?

The second syllable, "pound," is stressed.

What part of speech is Impound?

"Impound" is primarily a verb but can also be a noun.

What is the second form of Impound?

The second form is "Impounded."
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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