imprison

[ im-priz-uhn ]
See synonyms for imprison on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to confine in or as if in a prison.

Origin of imprison

1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enprisonen, from Old French enprisoner, equivalent to en- en-1 + prison prison + -er infinitive suffix

Other words for imprison

Other words from imprison

  • im·pris·on·a·ble, adjective
  • im·pris·on·er, noun
  • im·pris·on·ment, noun
  • re·im·pris·on, verb (used with object)
  • re·im·pris·on·ment, noun
  • un·im·pris·on·a·ble, adjective
  • un·im·pris·oned, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use imprison in a sentence

  • The pleasant green hills gave place to imprisoning mesas, with red sides that looked like battlements.

    Mystery Ranch | Arthur Chapman
  • Imprisoning slopes seemed to be shutting them in without surcease, and Helen looked in vain for any aid.

    Mystery Ranch | Arthur Chapman
  • The moment the brute touched the bait the falling door slid down, imprisoning the prowler.

    The Adventures of Kathlyn | Harold MacGrath
  • Besides, my friend: every Egyptian we imprison means imprisoning two Roman soldiers to guard him.

    Caesar and Cleopatra | George Bernard Shaw
  • But, after all, it is equally strange why a creditor should take pleasure in imprisoning a debtor.

    The Law and the Poor | Edward Abbott Parry

British Dictionary definitions for imprison

imprison

/ (ɪmˈprɪzən) /


verb
  1. (tr) to confine in or as if in prison

Derived forms of imprison

  • imprisoner, noun
  • imprisonment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012