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.
During the investigation, Ashlee was arrested on unrelated charges of false imprisonment in November. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025 Ashlee was arrested earlier on an unrelated charge in early November for false imprisonment. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 Queen is already serving probation after pleading no contest last year to felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor battery. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 8 Dec. 2025 According to Livermore police, Chirinos has an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for DUI, assault, domestic violence, and false imprisonment in both Florida and Texas. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on false imprisonment

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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