Meaning & Definition of word "Imprisonment"

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.