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Synonyms

false imprisonment

American

noun

Law.

the unlawful restraint of a person from exercising the right to freedom of movement.

false imprisonment British

noun

law the restraint of a person's liberty without lawful authority

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of false imprisonment

First recorded in 1760–70

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.

Under a straightforward reading of the act, then, a plaintiff like Carvajal-Muñoz cannot sue ICE agents for assault, battery, or false imprisonment under Maine law.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Zubaydah alleged that London was "vicariously liable" for multiple wrongs against him, including conspiracy to injure, false imprisonment and negligence.

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

The jury took only about an hour to clear the Grammy-winning rapper of the allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as negligence and false imprisonment.

From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025

Matthew Katz, a pro-Palestinian protester, was also charged with battery, false imprisonment and resisting arrest at the encampment.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2025

There's no false imprisonment or duress, mind ye, thanking you all the same, Miss, for your offer.

From The House by the Church-Yard by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023