impressment
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of impressment
Explanation
Impressment was the practice of forcing men to serve in the military against their will. Most often used by the British Navy, impressment often involved violence. Forcing someone to join the military might seem a little extreme, but the British navy used the method for centuries. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Britain was particularly determined to maintain its dominance around the world, and an enormous navy was considered necessary. Sailors were most likely to be strong-armed into service. British impressment of American colonists contributed to the tensions that led to the Revolutionary War.
Vocabulary lists containing impressment
Chapter 9: The Federalist Era
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The Early Republic, Lessons 4–6
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Chapter 7: Life in the Young Republic, Lessons 3–5
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Impressment, im-pres′ment, n. the act of impressing or seizing for service, esp. in the navy.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
Impressment is commonly employed to fill the ranks, and in cases of emergency the prison population is drawn upon for recruits.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various
"Impressment" is not a pleasant word at any time, and the tribute that the countryman had to yield to the defense of the South was ruinous,—the indirect tribute as well as the direct.
From The Creed of the Old South 1865-1915 by Gildersleeve, Basil L. (Basil Lanneau)
Implied powers, 212 Impressment of seamen, 194 Indentured servants, 13.
From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)
Impressment, its exercise by England, 258, 259; discussion over, in Monroe treaty, 262; abandoned in treaty, 262; used as pretext for war of 1812, 308; yet not mentioned in treaty of peace, 308.
From James Madison by Gay, Sydney Howard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
