imprison

[im-priz-uhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to confine in or as if in a prison.

   Synonyms: restrain, jail, incarcerate

imprison

/ ɪmˈprɪzən /

verb

1. (tr) to confine in or as if in prison

Other Word Forms

• imprisonable adjective
• imprisoner noun
• imprisonment noun
• reimprison verb (used with object)
• reimprisonment noun
• unimprisonable adjective
• unimprisoned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprison¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enprisonen, from Old French enprisoner, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + prison prison + -er infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

But previous takedowns haven’t seemed to affect the gang’s imprisoned leaders, or prevented them from calling shots on contraband phones.

From Los Angeles Times

It said a further 375 had been imprisoned, while 70 others were missing.

From BBC

“The government shut down some 75 newspapers and magazines, and imprisoned hundreds of people — most notably Socialist leader Eugene V. Debs — solely for things they wrote or said,” Hochschild said.

From Salon

The alleged leader of La Barredora, a former security chief in Tabasco, is now imprisoned in Mexico after being arrested as a fugitive in Paraguay.

From Los Angeles Times

Panahi has been arrested and imprisoned by the Iranian government on multiple occasions and is currently banned from making movies in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apprehend 
• commit 
• detain 
• hold 
• incarcerate 
• jail 
• lock up 
• remand