imprisonment

American  

[im-priz-uhn-muhnt] / ɪmˈprɪz ən mənt /

noun

1. the act of confining in or as if in a prison; the state of being so confined.

   Identity theft and computer fraud are criminal offenses punishable by imprisonment.

   Winter up there means cumbersome living and imprisonment in an icy hell.

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Etymology

Origin of imprisonment

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Old French emprisonnement, equivalent to imprison ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

At Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday, John was sentenced to a total of 15 years imprisonment with an extended licence of two years.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

To the Argentine, the image of the maze inspired a sense of freedom, rather than imprisonment, because it evoked the concept of infinity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The Chinese natives are currently incarcerated at the Ventura County Main Jail and the Todd Road Jail, respectively, and face up to four years’ imprisonment followed by two years of probation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

A week later, he declared martial law -- but failed, leading to his impeachment, removal from office and sentencing in February this year to life imprisonment for insurrection.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Kappe instructed Haupt to tell his uncle Walter about his brother's imprisonment and warn him that his cooperation was the only way to help his brother get out of the concentration camp.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• captivity
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• isolation