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

Earlier this month, the UK's embassy in the country warned that "British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation."

From BBC

Although criminal cases can sometimes lead to restitution, they tend to move more slowly, focus more on imprisonment than repayment and require a higher standard of proof.

From MarketWatch

Seven of the defendants -- who include former intelligence agents, soldiers and businessmen -- risk life imprisonment.

From Barron's

"The inquiry has the power to order the production of documents and failure to comply with such an order without reasonable excuse is an offence punishable by imprisonment."

From BBC

It was Tyndale’s personal encounter with the gospels that caused him to risk everything—exile, shame, poverty, imprisonment—to put the Bible into the hands of ordinary people.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• captivity
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• isolation