false imprisonment

noun

: imprisonment of a person contrary to law

Examples of false imprisonment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web James and Cindy Spooner have each been charged with four counts of first-degree child cruelty and false imprisonment, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Landon Mion, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2024 The three foster parents pleaded guilty last month to child endangerment and false imprisonment. Izzy Alvarez, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024 The series was created by Harmon and Justin Roiland, who also voiced both Rick and Morty until he was fired from the show in 2023 after he was charged with felony domestic battery and false imprisonment, and allegations surfaced regarding behavior toward minors on social media. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 17 Oct. 2024 Syed had been serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, robbery, kidnapping and false imprisonment. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for false imprisonment 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'false imprisonment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near false imprisonment

Cite this Entry

“False imprisonment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20imprisonment. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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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