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.
Lewis was not allowed to possess guns due to two felony convictions, for assault in 2021 and false imprisonment earlier this year. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 He was sent to the Soledad prison in 2015, and was serving a 14-year sentence for false imprisonment and inflicting a physical injury on another person. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Charges of false imprisonment and assault against Strahinja Jokic were also dropped as part of the plea agreement in that 2019 case. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025 Two other charges, strangulation and false imprisonment, were dismissed, but can be considered at sentencing. Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 24 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 20 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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