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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Here's everything to know about them, two decades after accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation and false imprisonment. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 The charges of false imprisonment, false arrest and negligence were dismissed for falling outside of a statute of limitations on such claims. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026 The suspect was then booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and false imprisonment, authorities said. Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 Zjiavon Deaute Green, 31, of Stock Island, Forida, was charged with kidnapping/false imprisonment. Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 9 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 15 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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