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

If convicted in either court he faces life imprisonment without parole.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

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 • Mar. 19, 2026

The reasons for his continued imprisonment were not made clear.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

‘You were less tender to me,’ said Glóin with a flash of his eyes, as old memories were stirred of his imprisonment in the deep places of the Elven-king’s halls.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Related Words

• captivity
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• isolation