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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Pisciotta is also suing for counts of assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and other charges. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed five felony counts of criminal threats and one felony count of false imprisonment against Flinn on May 20, deputies said. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 26 May 2025 The complaint, which has been reviewed by EW, also accuses the singer of assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, gender violence, creating a hostile work environment, and several labor code violations. Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 8 May 2025 June 27 Assault, battery, false imprisonment, vandalism, resist/delay peace officer: At 6:36 p.m., deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 13000 block of Shadow Oaks Way. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 6 July 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 22 Jul. 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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