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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.
The mother of missing 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard appeared in court today, where a judge dismissed the felony false imprisonment charge against her. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025 On November 7, the sheriff’s office announced Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on a felony false imprisonment charge related to an adult male victim. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025 Two other charges, strangulation and false imprisonment, were dismissed, but were able to be considered at sentencing, as was the attack on the other woman. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 12 Nov. 2025 The mother of a missing California child pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony false imprisonment, a charge authorities say is unrelated to the disappearance of her 9-year-old daughter last month. Steve Patterson, NBC news, 12 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“False imprisonment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20imprisonment. Accessed 29 Nov. 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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