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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.

See Examples For:

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

He also began actions for false imprisonment against the two secretaries of state.

From The Political History of England - Vol. X. The History of England from the Accession of George III to the close of Pitt's first Administration by Poole, Reginald Lane

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