Definition

To put someone in a place where they cannot leave, usually as a punishment for a crime.

Example

The judge decided to imprison the thief for five years.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that story where they tried to imprison the journalist?

Yeah, it's shocking how far some people will go to silence others.

I can't believe they would actually try to imprison someone for speaking the truth.

It makes you realize how important it is to stand up for free speech.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Imprison → It is formed from "in-" (meaning in or into) and "prison" (from Old French *prison*, meaning a place of confinement). The word "imprison" means to put someone into a place of confinement or to confine them within a prison.

Memory Tip

Think of being put 'into' ('in-') a 'place of confinement' ('prison') — that's what it means to imprison someone.

Visually Confused Words