Empound vs. Impound: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 26, 2023
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 1: Think of the letter "I" in "Impound" as someone saying "I have taken your car"; this will remind you of the confiscation action.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Memory Aid 2: "Empound" sounds like "Emu" (a bird). Remember: birds don't impound; officials do.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Memory Aid 3: The prefix "Im-" often signifies "in or into" as in immerse or implant. So, "Impound" means to take "in" custody.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Memory Aid 4: Think of the phrase "IMmediate POUNDing" to remember "Impound."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Memory Aid 5: Associate the sound of the first syllable "Im-" with "In" - when something is taken in, it's impounded.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
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Empound and Impound Definitions
Impound
To seize and hold in custody, especially by legal authority.
The police impounded the stolen vehicle.
Harlon Moss
Sep 07, 2023
Impound
To withhold something temporarily for legal or regulatory reasons.
Customs officials impounded the illegal goods.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 07, 2023
Impound
To take possession of, especially for public use.
The city impounded abandoned houses for redevelopment.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 07, 2023
Impound
To shut up in a pen or pound.
Stray dogs were impounded by the authorities.
Janet White
Sep 07, 2023
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Impound
To place (something) in legal custody until a dispute involving it is decided
Impounding ballots in a disputed election.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
To set aside in a fund rather than spend as prescribed
A governor who impounded monies designated for use by cities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
To accumulate and store in a reservoir
By damming the stream, the engineers impounded its waters for irrigation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
A place where impounded property is stored, as a lot for keeping vehicles that have been towed by police order.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
The process or activity of impounding something
The impound of the uninsured car.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
(transitive) To shut up or place in an enclosure called a pound.
His car was impounded after he parked it illegally.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
To hold in the custody of a court or its delegate.
To impound stray cattle; to impound a document for safekeeping.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
To collect and hold (funds) for payment of property taxes and insurance on property in which one has a security interest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
Amounts collected from a debtor and held by one with a security interest in property for payment of property taxes and insurance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 06, 2023
Impound
To collect or gather into a reservoir.
The dam impounds waters from the river.
Sara Rehman
Sep 07, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
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."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
What is the root word of Impound?
The root is "pound," with "im-" serving as a prefix.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Which preposition is used with Impound?
"By" as in "impounded by the police."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Impound?
Any conjunction can be used with "Impound," depending on the sentence. E.g., "and," "but," "or."
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Is Impound a vowel or consonant?
"Impound" is a word, not a single letter. It contains both vowels and consonants.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Is Impound a countable noun?
When used as a noun (like in "impound lot"), it is countable.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Is the Impound term a metaphor?
No, "Impound" is not inherently a metaphor, but it can be used metaphorically.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
How is Impound used in a sentence?
"The police decided to impound the illegally parked vehicle."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Is Impound a noun or adjective?
"Impound" is primarily a verb, but it can also be a noun (as in "an impound lot").
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Which determiner is used with Impound?
Determiners such as "the," "this," "that," "my," "her" can be used with "Impound" depending on the sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Is Impound a negative or positive word?
Neutral by itself, but it often has negative connotations, especially when referring to legal seizure.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Impound?
The second syllable, "pound," is stressed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
What part of speech is Impound?
"Impound" is primarily a verb but can also be a noun.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
