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.
According to court filings, Mary Gaither was charged with operating while under the influence, child endangerment and false imprisonment. — Isabelle Foland, Des Moines Register, 30 Aug. 2026 Stemler has pleaded no contest to chronic neglect of a child causing bodily harm, chronic neglect of a child causing emotional damage and false imprisonment, according to her online court records. — Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Authorities say he is wanted for kidnapping, false imprisonment, family violence battery, and other charges. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 After Oakley's removal from MSG, he was subsequently arrested and, although the charges were eventually dropped, Oakley filed suit claiming false imprisonment and defamation, among other claims. — Austin Perry, FOXNews.com, 15 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

false hybrid
false imprisonment
false indigo
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Cite this Entry

“False imprisonment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20imprisonment. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about false imprisonment

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