imprison

American  

[im-priz-uhn] / ɪmˈprɪz ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to confine in or as if in a prison.

   Synonyms:

   restrain, jail, incarcerate

---

imprison British  

/ ɪmˈprɪzən /

verb

1. (tr) to confine in or as if in prison

---

Other Word Forms

• imprisonable adjective
• imprisoner noun
• imprisonment noun
• reimprison verb (used with object)
• reimprisonment noun
• unimprisonable adjective
• unimprisoned adjective

Etymology

Origin of imprison

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enprisonen, from Old French enprisoner, equivalent to en- en- ¹ + prison prison + -er infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

But the barrister asked the chairwoman of the inquiry to consider whether it is realistic that Calocane would have been prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned at that time while he was suffering with mental illness.

From BBC

Activists say some family members of those imprisoned in the facility have gone on hunger strike to demand the release of their relatives.

From BBC

At Tehran University of Medical Sciences, students held a march and a sit-in in solidarity with imprisoned students and other young detainees.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The Turkish authorities are unfortunately continuing their efforts to further tarnish the country’s already grim record, where 27 journalists were imprisoned last year," RSF's Onderoglu said.

From Barron's

He declared himself a conscientious objector during World War II. He was imprisoned, abandoned by his family and returned to Birmingham only to be further ostracized.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• apprehend
• commit
• detain
• hold
• incarcerate
• jail
• lock up
• remand