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Synonyms

false imprisonment

American  

noun

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


false imprisonment British  

noun

  1. 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

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

The filing, which alleges false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, is required as part of the process to sue the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

From Salon • Jul. 10, 2025

And if you stop me I will have the law of you for false imprisonment, and bring heavy damages.

From The Passenger from Calais by Griffiths, Arthur

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