impressment

noun

im·​press·​ment im-ˈpres-mənt 

: the act of seizing for public use or of impressing into public service

Examples of impressment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The crew was a combustible mix of regular sailors, marines and impressed crewmen — impressment being a kind of slavery wherein men were kidnapped and forced to serve for an indefinite period. — Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023

In fact, by the late summer of 1812, the British had eliminated the orders in council, leaving impressment as the only unresolved issue of any consequence. — Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2012

The United States declared war on Great Britain after more incidents of naval impressment, trade restrictions, and the British attack of the Chesapeake. — Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 14 Nov. 2024

In several other seemingly unrelated grievances – like the king’s use of the royal veto, impressment, and the collapse of the judiciary – minority groups shaped the declaration. — Robert Parkinson, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

These distinctive tattoos were then recorded in their personal Seamen’s Protection Certificates, which were used as identification and to help stave off impressment. — Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017

The Advertiser was edited by Samuel Adams for artisans and laborers fired up by their successful resistance to impressment—the Navy’s effort to grab men for forced service—and concerned about rising poverty in the postwar depression. — Time, 7 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impressment

• assessment
• reassessment