impounding

verb (used with object)

1. to shut up in a pound or other enclosure, as a stray animal.
2. to confine within an enclosure or within limits: water impounded in a reservoir.
3. to seize and retain in custody of the law, as a document for evidence.

noun

4. money, property, etc., that has been impounded: a sale of impounds by the police department.

verb (tr)

1. to confine (stray animals, illegally parked cars, etc) in a pound
2. 1. to seize (chattels, etc) by legal right
   2. to take possession of (a document, evidence, etc) and hold in legal custody
3. to collect (water) in a reservoir or dam, as for irrigation
4. to seize or appropriate