Meaning & Definition of word "Imprisonment"

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    Imprisonment

    /ɪmˈprɪzənmənt/

    noun:

    • 1. The state of being confined in prison; the act of imprisoning someone.
      • Example: His wrongful imprisonment caused a public outcry for justice.
    • 2. The legal condition of being confined in a prison as punishment for a crime.
      • Example: She received a sentence of five years of imprisonment for her involvement in the theft.
    • 3. The act of restricting someone's freedom against their will.
      • Example: The organization worked to expose cases of unlawful imprisonment around the world.

    Etymology

    Derived from Middle French 'emprisonner', which means to imprison.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    life imprisonment:

    A sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

    imprisonment for debt:

    Imprisonment for failing to pay debts, now generally abolished.

    Related Words

    prison:

    A building where people are legally held as punishment for a crime.

    convict:

    A person found guilty of a crime and sentenced to prison.

    jail:

    A place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime.

    Slang Meanings of imprisonment

    Meaning: The slammer

    Example Sentence: He spent some time in the slammer for his offenses.

    Meaning: The big house

    Example Sentence: After the trial, he was sent to the big house for a long time.