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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They were each charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026 The suit claims negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process and false imprisonment. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping and false imprisonment and later posted bail and was released. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026 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 in Tontitown, Arkansas. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 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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