Impounding: meaning, definitions and examples

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impounding

 

[ ɪmˈpaʊndɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal action

Impounding refers to the act of legally taking possession of something, typically by authorities. This can involve vehicles, assets, or property that is seized for various reasons such as legal violations or unpaid debts. The process ensures that items are held until a determined outcome is decided, often in a court or administrative setting. In most cases, impounding serves to protect public safety or enforce regulations.

Synonyms

confiscating, detaining, seizing

Examples of usage

  • The police are impounding vehicles that are parked illegally.
  • The court ordered the impounding of the defendant's assets.
  • Impounding was necessary due to the dangerous condition of the abandoned car.

Translations

Translations of the word "impounding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apreensão

🇮🇳 जप्त करना

🇩🇪 Beschlagnahme

🇮🇩 penyitaan

🇺🇦 конфіскація

🇵🇱 zatrzymanie

🇯🇵 押収

🇫🇷 saisie

🇪🇸 incautación

🇹🇷 el koyma

🇰🇷 압수

🇸🇦 مصادرة

🇨🇿 zabavení

🇸🇰 zadržanie

🇨🇳 扣押

🇸🇮 zaseg

🇮🇸 fanga

🇰🇿 алдын ала ұстап алу

🇬🇪 დაპატიჟება

🇦🇿 müsadirə

🇲🇽 incautación

Etymology

The term 'impounding' comes from the legal and administrative context where authorities may seize or take control of property. The word is derived from the Latin 'impoundere', which means 'to put into a pound', with 'pound' originally referring to a pen or enclosure for animals. Over time, the definition expanded beyond animals to include various forms of property. The concept of impounding has roots in common law, where the power of seizing property was granted as a means to enforce law and regulations. This action is often associated with the enforcement of statutes that protect public welfare, environment, or safety, reflecting society's need to regulate conduct and maintain order.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,874, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.