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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The Turpins ultimately ended up entering a guilty plea to 14 felony counts, including charges of cruelty, torture and false imprisonment. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025 Armstrong was on probation for a case in Georgia involving charges of first-degree cruelty to children, false imprisonment, simple battery and obstructing or hindering of law enforcement, records show. Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 After an hour of jury deliberation, Cardi was cleared on allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as well as negligence and false imprisonment. Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Tran’s brother, Kevin, was also convicted of conspiracy to commit murder, as well as kidnapping for ransom and false imprisonment with gun-use enhancements. Jason Green, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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