imprison

verb

im-ˈpri-zᵊn How to pronounce imprison (audio)
Definition of imprisonnext
as in to jail
to put in or as if in prison in this society, we try to imprison criminals so that they can't do any more harm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of imprison Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an up-and-coming FBI agent who reluctantly consults imprisoned murderer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to track down a dangerous serial killer. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 The former cricket star turned politician was ousted in a parliamentary no-confidence vote in April 2022 and has been imprisoned since 2023 after being convicted in multiple cases. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where 39 women and one girl—the book’s nameless protagonist—have been imprisoned in an underground bunker for years. — Air Mail, 15 Aug. 2026 Murdaugh remains imprisoned on separate state and federal financial-crime sentences. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imprison
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imprison
  1. jail
  2. incarcerate
Verb
  • İmamoğlu was jailed and formally disqualified from public office.
    — Nick TaborAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Many other leading activists were also jailed under the same law, including former media tycoon Jimmy Lai.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of jail
Verb
  • At the request of Kapoor’s attorney, the judge recommended to the Bureau of Prisons that Kapoor be incarcerated near Atlanta, where Kapoor’s family is located.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • According to the outlet, Talley was coordinating with Fuentes and Spencer to check on Johnson, who was incarcerated on contempt charges.
    — Irene Wright, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of incarcerate

Browse Nearby Words

imprints
imprison
imprisoned
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Cite this Entry

“Imprison.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imprison. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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