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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Foketi was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, false imprisonment and misdemeanor domestic violence. Brandon Downs, CBS News, 21 June 2026 Police said the investigation established probable cause for robbery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and felony child endangerment. Bay City News, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 Tyler had originally been charged with first-degree rape, along with false imprisonment, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery by strangulation and criminal damage to property. Spin Staff, SPIN, 17 June 2026 They were both charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of false imprisonment, the Tontitown Police Department announced March 20. Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 17 June 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 22 Jun. 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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