1. bodies of water created by damming or blocking a natural watercourse
Usage: engineering; environmental science
2. the official seizure and holding of property, vehicles, or animals by authorities
Usage: legal

Examples

• The new impoundments will provide water storage for the growing city.
• Several small impoundments were built along the creek to prevent flooding.
• The dam created multiple impoundments upstream from the power plant.
• Vehicle impoundments increased after the new parking regulations took effect.
• The city charges fees for impoundments of illegally parked cars.
• Animal control conducted impoundments of stray dogs in the neighborhood.
• Environmental groups opposed the construction of new impoundments on the river.