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.
The lawsuit sought compensatory and punitive damages for claims including false imprisonment, battery and constitutional retaliation. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026 He was charged with abduction, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail, according to the outlets. Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Kemp did mention that these allegations were different from those that led to the sheriff being charged with false imprisonment, simple battery, and violation of oath of office in 2025. Dan Raby, CBS News, 29 June 2026 Police said the investigation established probable cause for robbery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and felony child endangerment. Bay City News, Mercury News, 20 June 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

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on false imprisonment

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster