false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Kendra Duggar, 27, and Joseph Duggar, 31, were both charged on March 20 with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment after an investigation, according to a release from local police. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

Both Joseph Duggar, 31, and Kendra Duggar, 28, were charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of false imprisonment in March and pleaded not guilty the following month. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

After the search of the Duggars’ home, officials in Arkansas filed those endangering the welfare of a minor and false imprisonment charges against Kendra and Joseph. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Maddox, who was released, is seeking $250,000 for assault, false arrest, negligence, defamation, and false imprisonment. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 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