Meaning & Definition of word "Imprison"
to
Imprison
/ɪmˈprɪzən/
verb:
- 1. To confine someone in prison.
- Example: After the trial, the judge decided to imprison the convicted felon for five years.
- 2. To restrict someone's freedom or to trap them in a difficult situation.
- Example: The harsh conditions of the asylum seemed to imprison her mind, making escape feel impossible.
- 3. To put someone in a place where they cannot leave.
- Example: The captors chose to imprison their hostage in a hidden location far from the city.
- 4. To keep or hold something within limits.
- Example: The artist felt that societal norms could imprison her creativity.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French emprisoner, from en- + prison.
Common Phrases and Expressions
imprisoned by circumstances:
Limited or constrained by external factors.
prison of one's mind:
Feeling mental confinement or limitations.
imprison within walls:
To be physically confined to a location.
Related Words
incarceration:
The act of imprisoning someone.
detention:
The act of keeping someone in custody.
confinement:
The state of being confined.
Slang Meanings of imprison
Meaning: Locked up
Example Sentence: He got locked up for a few years.
Meaning: Behind bars
Example Sentence: After the conviction, he ended up behind bars.