false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joseph was originally charged with forcible oral copulation, false imprisonment, and assault. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 Sep. 2025 Two other charges, strangulation and false imprisonment, were dismissed, but can be considered at sentencing. Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 He was arrested on charges of rape, false imprisonment and stalking, and is being held in prison for the time being, per authorities. Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025 The same jury did, however, convict Chambers of battery and false imprisonment for other prior altercations in which prosecutors said Chambers pushed, grabbed and choked Dadkhah. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025 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 14 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on false imprisonment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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