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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On Tuesday, April 29, Patrick Cooper filed a lawsuit against Tisci, 50, claiming assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and violations of New York State’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act. Charna Flam, People.com, 2 May 2025 On Monday, the Coeur d’Alene City Attorney's office said that five men associated with a private security firm were facing a range of charges, including battery, false imprisonment and security agent duty violations. Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Gordon was booked into jail on multiple counts, including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated mayhem, kidnapping, false imprisonment and concealing evidence, deputies said. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025 The Robinsons are also accused of false imprisonment and numerous labor violations. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 May 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 4 Jun. 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

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