false arrest

noun

: an arrest not justifiable under law

Examples of false arrest in a Sentence

He's suing the police for false arrest.
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.
Clayborne, who is also suing on behalf of her five minor children, brings claims for violations of Fourth Amendment protections against search and seizure, violations of due process protections and false arrest and imprisonment. Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 He’s also been a defendant in at least seven lawsuits against the NYPD since 2012, including cases involving allegations of false arrest and a warrantless raid on a Brooklyn home. John Annese, New York Daily News, 27 Nov. 2024 The men a year later sued New York City for false arrest, malicious prosecution and racially motivated conspiracy. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2024 Long sued the two troopers, plus a third defendant, in federal court in Detroit in April 2024, alleging false arrest and excessive force. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for false arrest 

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of false arrest was in 1715

Dictionary Entries Near false arrest

Cite this Entry

“False arrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20arrest. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

false arrest

see arrest

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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