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.
They have been charged by the Marin County District Attorney’s Office with kidnapping, burglary, conspiracy, and false imprisonment. Cameron MacDonald, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025 Beverly was charged with assault, false imprisonment and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony charges, according to records from the Lancaster County Department of Corrections. Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2025 In California, three members of Dads Against Predators, a group local to Redding, were arrested on charges of felony assault, false imprisonment, battery and vandalism, according to KRCR. Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 The suits sought unspecified damages and alleged that the guards committed a range of crimes, such as assault, battery and false imprisonment. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 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 3 Mar. 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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