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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.

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

Compounding her troubles, five of the six officers charged by Mosby in Gray’s death sued her for malicious false arrest, false imprisonment, and defamation, among other claims.

From Slate • May 24, 2024

The remedy for a wrongful arrest is by an action for false imprisonment.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 6 "Armour Plates" to "Arundel, Earls of" by Various

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