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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In addition to the molestation case, Joseph and Kendra were both charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 Both Joseph and Kendra Duggar have been charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a child and four counts of false imprisonment in Arkansas, the Tontitown Police Department announced March 20. Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026 Kendra was booked into custody at the Washington County Detention Facility on March 20 after she and Joseph were both charged with four misdemeanor counts each of second-degree endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree false imprisonment. Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 The charges include four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor and four counts of false imprisonment. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“False imprisonment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20imprisonment. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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

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