Imprison

Definition

To confine someone in prison or another place as a form of punishment or restraint.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈprɪzən/
• Respelling: im-PRIZ-uhn (with "im" as in "tin," "PRIZ" as in "prism," and "uhn" as in "sofa")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈprɪzən/
• Respelling: im-PRIZ-uhn (with "im" as in "tin," "PRIZ" as in "prism," and "uhn" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "imprison" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "PRIZ." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "im-PRIZ-uhn."

Etymology

Derived from Old French "emprisoner", where "en-" means "in" and "prison" means "prison". The word, over time, shifted to mean the act of confining or putting someone into prison.

Derivatives

• Imprisonment (noun)
• Imprisoner (noun)
• Imprisonable (adjective)
• Incarcerate (verb, synonym)
• Confinement (noun, related term)

Synonyms

• Incarcerate
• Confine
• Jail

Antonyms

• Release
• Free
• Liberate

Usage

"Imprison" is used in legal and criminal justice contexts to describe the act of confining someone in a prison as a legal penalty. It is associated with the judicial system and the enforcement of law and order.

Related Terms

• Detain
• Captive
• Confinement
• Penitentiary
• Cell

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Imprison (To confine in a prison): To confine someone in a prison or similar facility as a legal penalty.
  • Example: "The court decided to imprison the criminal for his crimes."

• Imprison (To deprive of liberty): To deprive someone of their freedom by confining them in a penal institution.
  • Example: "Authorities chose to imprison the suspect while awaiting trial."

Note: "Imprison" predominantly means to confine someone in a prison or another form of detention facility. It can also metaphorically refer to being trapped or restrained by emotions, situations, or conditions.