false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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He and Kendra are also charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and four counts of false imprisonment in the second degree in Arkansas. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026 Jackson was indicted on 10 criminal counts in 2003, including child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent (alcohol) to a minor, and conspiracy to commit child abduction and false imprisonment. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026 The lawsuit accuses federal agents of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, false arrest, and gross negligence. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 18 May 2026 The 26-year-old faces charges, including domestic violence simple battery, domestic violence false imprisonment, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death to the medical examiner’s office or law enforcement and unlawfully holding or moving a human dead body in unapproved conditions. Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for false imprisonment

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of false imprisonment was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“False imprisonment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20imprisonment. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

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

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