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Showing results for imprisonment. Search instead for empoisonment.
Synonyms

imprisonment

American  
[im-priz-uhn-muhnt] / ɪmˈprɪz ən mənt /

noun

  1. the act of confining in or as if in a prison; the state of being so confined.

    Identity theft and computer fraud are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment.

    Winter up there means cumbersome living and imprisonment in an icy hell.

Etymology

Origin of imprisonment

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Old French emprisonnement, equivalent to imprison ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

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.

If convicted in either court he faces life imprisonment without parole.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Seven of the defendants -- who include former intelligence agents, soldiers and businessmen -- risk life imprisonment.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Although criminal cases can sometimes lead to restitution, they tend to move more slowly, focus more on imprisonment than repayment and require a higher standard of proof.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The courts currently have various powers available to tackle fly-tipping, including imprisonment and fines.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

He’s probably been reliving those five years of imprisonment all night.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

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.