impound
UK[ɪmˈpaʊnd]US[ɪmˈpaʊnd]
v
to take legal possession of something, especially a vehicle or goods, until a debt is paid or a law is obeyed.
v
to shut up (an animal) in a pound or enclosure.
Morpheme Breakdown
im
pound
im
in
pound
enclosure
Etymology
the word 'impound' is a compound formed within english from the prefix 'im-' and the noun 'pound'. the prefix 'im-', a variant of 'in-' from latin, conveys the sense of 'into' or 'within'. the second element, 'pound', originates from old english 'pund', referring to an enclosure, particularly one for confining stray livestock. the term's legal sense of seizing and holding property until a claim is settled developed from the literal act of placing animals or goods into such a confined space under the authority of the law. thus, the modern abstract meaning of legal seizure retains the core concept of placing something into official custody.
Analysis
Structure: im (in) + pound (enclosure)
- im: a prefix of latin origin, a form of 'in-' meaning 'in, into, within'.
- pound: from old english 'pund', an enclosure for confining stray animals or distrained goods.
Examples
the police have the authority to impound vehicles parked illegally.
the customs officials decided to impound the smuggled goods.
the dog was found wandering the streets and had to be impounded at the local shelter.