imprisonment
ihm-PRIHZN-muhnt
Imprisonment (noun) means the state of being confined in prison, or a sentence involving such confinement. Example: “The judge handed down a sentence of five years' imprisonment.”
noun
1
The state of being confined in prison, or a sentence involving such confinement.
"The judge handed down a sentence of five years' imprisonment."
"She spoke about the psychological toll of long-term imprisonment."
How to use imprisonment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing locked up in prison, or the punishment of being sent there.
Common pairings
life imprisonment
sentenced to imprisonment
false imprisonment
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Word forms
- Plural
- imprisonments
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The judge handed down a sentence of five years' _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman emprisonement; see imprison + -ment.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for imprisonment
See all rhymes for imprisonment →Frequently asked questions
What does “imprisonment” mean?
The word “imprisonment” means the state of being confined in prison, or a sentence involving such confinement. In plain terms, being locked up in prison, or the punishment of being sent there.
How do you pronounce “imprisonment”?
“Imprisonment” is pronounced ihm-PRIHZN-muhnt (/ɪmˈpɹɪzn̩.mənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “imprisonment” in a sentence?
Here is “imprisonment” used in a sentence: “The judge handed down a sentence of five years' imprisonment.”
What part of speech is “imprisonment”?
“Imprisonment” is a noun.
Where does the word “imprisonment” come from?
The word “imprisonment” comes from Anglo-Norman. From Anglo-Norman emprisonement; see imprison + -ment.
Is “imprisonment” a common word?
“Imprisonment” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "imprisonment" and "incarceration"?
Both refer to being confined in prison. "Imprisonment" is the more everyday term and often names the legal punishment itself, while "incarceration" is more formal and technical, common in legal and official writing.
What is the difference between "imprisonment" and "detention"?
Imprisonment usually means confinement in prison, typically following a criminal conviction and sentence. Detention is broader and often shorter-term, covering being held by authorities without necessarily having been sentenced.
What is the difference between "life imprisonment" and a fixed sentence?
Life imprisonment is a sentence with no fixed end date, although in many systems release may become possible on licence after a minimum term is served. A fixed or determinate sentence instead specifies a defined length of confinement.
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