imprisonment

[ im-priz-uhn-muhnt ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of imprisonment¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Old French emprisonnement, equivalent to imprison ( def ) + -ment ( def )

Example Sentences

The charge is non-bailable and a conviction could mean a minimum of seven years in jail and fine or even life imprisonment.

From BBC

However, the law in Vietnam states that if she can pay back 75% of what she took, her sentence will be commuted to life imprisonment.

From BBC

They were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and, for years, their story largely faded from the spotlight.

From BBC

Mr Clifford has also been charged with false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.

From BBC

And while one scene does have him meeting a handful of Jews he’s helping, the only camp victim ever shown from arrest to imprisonment to suffering to death is you-know-who.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captivity
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• isolation