false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities say he is wanted for kidnapping, false imprisonment, family violence battery, and other charges. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

After Oakley's removal from MSG, he was subsequently arrested and, although the charges were eventually dropped, Oakley filed suit claiming false imprisonment and defamation, among other claims. — Austin Perry, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 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. — 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

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