imprisonment

[im-priz-uhn-muhnt]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprisonment¹

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

Example Sentences

Despite a lack of evidence, Dreyfus was convicted of treason, sentenced to life imprisonment in the infamous Devil's Island penal colony in French Guiana and publicly stripped of his rank.

Read more on Barron's

The decision came after a lawsuit was filed against Davis by his ex-girlfriend accusing him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Read more on BBC

"The persecution of Tadjadit is based on his poetry and peaceful activism, making his continued imprisonment a violation of his fundamental rights," the statement added.

Read more on Barron's

Buzzard was arrested Thursday on false imprisonment charges unrelated to the investigation into Melodee’s disappearance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy said his imprisonment over allegations he sought Libyan campaign funding had been "gruelling", at a hearing that could see him released under judicial control after 20 days in jail.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• captivity 
• confinement 
• custody 
• incarceration 
• isolation