false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once in the locker room, the girl alleged Biermann physically restricted her from leaving, leading to his false imprisonment charge. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

The lawsuit seeks relief under Colorado’s Child Sex Assault Accountability Act, as well as claims for negligent hiring and supervision, emotional distress and false imprisonment. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 4 Sep. 2026

According to court filings, Mary Gaither was charged with operating while under the influence, child endangerment and false imprisonment. — Isabelle Foland, Des Moines Register, 30 Aug. 2026

Stemler has pleaded no contest to chronic neglect of a child causing bodily harm, chronic neglect of a child causing emotional damage and false imprisonment, according to her online court records. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 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