life imprisonment

British

noun

(in Britain) an indeterminate sentence always given for murder and as a maximum sentence in several other crimes. There is no remission, although the Home Secretary may order the prisoner's release on licence

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Misconduct in public office is defined by the British Crown Prosecution Service as the “serious wilful abuse or neglect of the power or responsibilities of the public office” and can result in life imprisonment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

If convicted of misconduct in public office, Mountbatten-Windsor could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

The fresh charge - which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment - is the first time terrorism charges have been laid in the state, police say.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Before the week is out, he will be facing the possibility of life imprisonment.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

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