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.
Tisci is accused of violating New York's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, intentionally inflicting emotional distress, battery, assault and false imprisonment. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 May 2025 He has been charged with battery and false imprisonment. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025 The lawsuit accuses the agency of negligence, emotional distress, trespass, false imprisonment and assault and battery. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Goodwin also accused Victoria of assault and false imprisonment, though specific details were not provided, according to the outlet. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 23 Mar. 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 14 May. 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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