false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

City Councilmember Rowena Brown said she was punched, choked and dragged by her hair through her downtown Oakland apartment over the weekend by an acquaintance who is now charged with felony counts of assault, robbery and false imprisonment. — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Both he and his wife Kendra were charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second-degree and four counts of second-degree false imprisonment in an Arkansas court case for which they are set to appear in August. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

In 2017, Angela pleaded guilty to charges including false imprisonment, falsely reporting crimes, and kidnapping—based on her attempt to send Michelle to prison. — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 22 July 2026

Another passenger on the flight, Fito Almanor, has convictions for domestic violence and false imprisonment. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

false imprisonment

noun

: the tort of intentionally restraining another by physical force or the threat of physical force without privilege or authority see also false arrest at arrest