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Definitions

imprisonment

[im-priz-uhn-muhnt] / ɪmˈprɪz ən mənt /
NOUN
forcible detention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
captivity confinement custody incarceration isolation
STRONG
bondage durance duress quarantine remand restraint thraldom thralldom
WEAK
immuration
Antonyms
STRONGEST
freedom liberation liberty
WEAK
discharge liberating release
NOUN
placing in forcible detention
Synonyms
STRONGEST
jailing
WEAK
capturing confining detaining immuring imprisoning incarcerating locking up quarantining
Antonyms
WEAK
discharge freedom liberating liberty release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If convicted in either court he faces life imprisonment without parole.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Although criminal cases can sometimes lead to restitution, they tend to move more slowly, focus more on imprisonment than repayment and require a higher standard of proof.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Seven of the defendants -- who include former intelligence agents, soldiers and businessmen -- risk life imprisonment.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The final sanction of imprisonment for non-payment of council tax is only for cases of "wilful refusal" or "culpable neglect".

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Most adults convicted of the kinds of crimes with which Trina, Ian, and Antonio were charged are not sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson