imprison

ihm-PRIH-zuhn

Imprison (verb) means to put someone in prison, or to confine them against their will. Example: “He was imprisoned for fraud after a lengthy trial.”

verb

To put someone in prison, or to confine them against their will.

"He was imprisoned for fraud after a lengthy trial."

"The activists were imprisoned for protesting peacefully."

How to use imprison

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lock someone up or otherwise trap them against their will.

Common pairings

imprisoned for wrongfully imprisoned

Word forms

imprisoned past tense, imprisons singular

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He was _____ for fraud after a lengthy trial.

Etymology

From Old French emprisonner, from em- + prison.

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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jail lag jug remand gaol immure put away incarcerate put behind bars

Related words

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Rhymes for imprison

Bison poison prison UNISON Alison Edison Maison liaison venison Addison Allison Madison

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Frequently asked questions

What does “imprison” mean?

The word “imprison” means to put someone in prison, or to confine them against their will. In plain terms, to lock someone up or otherwise trap them against their will.

How do you pronounce “imprison”?

“Imprison” is pronounced ihm-PRIH-zuhn (/ɪmˈpɹɪzən/ in IPA).

How do you use “imprison” in a sentence?

Here is “imprison” used in a sentence: “He was imprisoned for fraud after a lengthy trial.”

What part of speech is “imprison”?

“Imprison” is a verb.

Where does the word “imprison” come from?

The word “imprison” comes from Old French. From Old French emprisonner, from em- + prison.

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