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

None of the parents were threatened with imprisonment, as courts can only impose financial penalties.

From BBC

He faces a sentence up to life imprisonment if convicted of collusion.

From BBC

She has opted not to disclose the nature of parents' crimes, but outlined the "social stigma" she experienced as a result of their imprisonment.

From BBC

Shemwell, who was 21 at the time but is now 24, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment at the same court after she admitted two counts of child cruelty in December last year.

From BBC

Petticrew leads us through Dolours' youth through her and Marian's harrowing imprisonment.

From Salon

Related Words

• captivity
• confinement
• custody
• incarceration
• isolation