What does imprison mean?
Imprison means to confine a person in prison or otherwise deprive them of freedom, especially as a legal punishment. In its broader figurative uses, it describes a person or thing being trapped within restrictive conditions, such as an oppressive situation or a limiting routine. The word is formal, but it is widely understood and often appears in reports of criminal justice, political detention, and human rights. When used literally, it normally refers to confinement by an institution authorized to punish or detain people. When used figuratively, it emphasizes loss of freedom rather than physical imprisonment. Its related forms include 'imprisonment,' the act or condition of being imprisoned, and 'imprisoned,' the standard past tense and participle. The word is used in both British and American English, with no major regional difference in meaning.
To confine someone in prison or deprive them of their liberty.
"The authorities imprisoned the protesters after they refused to leave the building."
This is the primary literal sense and is especially associated with legal detention or punishment.
To confine someone or something within restrictive conditions, metaphorically limiting freedom, movement, or opportunity.
"His fear of public speaking imprisoned him in silence."
This figurative sense is common in literary and political contexts.
Imprison is more than a synonym for jail: it can describe any severe restriction of freedom, from a prison cell to a life of social confinement.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imprison come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French emprisonner, meaning to put in prison, which was based on prison, from Latin prīsio, a prison or captive. The prefix im- in the French form conveys entry into or placement within a prison. The related English words prison and prisoner developed through French from the same Latin term, while disprison is a rare formal word meaning to release from prison.
Related word forms
How imprison is actually used
The word is formal and commonly associated with the legal punishment of confinement in prison. In broader figurative use, it often suggests an unwanted restriction of movement, opportunity, or expression.
Easily confused with imprison
Both mean to confine someone in prison, but 'imprison' is the more general and usual everyday word, while 'incarcerate' is more formal and often has a more severe or institutional tone.