Synonyms

imprisonment

American

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

noun

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

imprisonments

plural

Etymology

Origin of imprisonment

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

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.

Before her arrest, Mahrang told the BBC she knew imprisonment was a possibility, but wasn't fearful of the prospect.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

It was established as a safeguard against arbitrary and unlawful imprisonment, so if a judge finds the government’s reasoning insufficient, they hold the power to immediately order the prisoner’s release with sufficient legal grounds.

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2026

Under Nazi rule, German, Austrian and French “swing youth” risked imprisonment to dance to restricted “degenerate” American jazz music.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026

However, the ministry's department in Herat said new regulations had recently come into force and warned that violations could lead to detention or imprisonment.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Supreme Court announced its decision: Life imprisonment without parole sentences imposed on children convicted of non-homicide crimes is cruel and unusual punishment and constitutionally impermissible.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023