imprison

USAGE SUMMARY

"imprison" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that is used to mean to detain or confine someone against their will, typically in a prison. For example: "The criminal was imprisoned for his crimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A permanent record of our lives can imprison us in unrealistic and hurtful feelings about ourselves, our bodies and our relationships," warns Marie-Pierre Cleret, a psychologist who specialises in narcissistic behavioural disorders.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a second, more recent clip Kennedy traded barbed quips with the former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson after being asked about government plans to imprison bankers.

The Guardian

The bill includes provisions to enhance statutory protection for victims while at the same time strengthening measures to disrupt, convict and imprison the criminals involved to prevent people becoming victims in the first place.

The Guardian

Vaguely worded bans on protests and terrorist groups have been used to harass NGOs and imprison staff.

The Economist

With some unlikely people now receptive to the idea that it would be good to imprison fewer people, a new book looking at failed experiments in criminal justice over the past decade or so is well timed.

The Economist

Even if such people are caught quickly, it costs money to imprison them: America spends more than $50 billion a year on its prison system.From the land of second chances to the land of no hopeRehabilitation has become something of a dirty word in American debates about crime.

The Economist

Some 3,000 soldiers are to remain on civilian security duty until at least January.The most recent pledge to be ditched was one to imprison clandestine immigrants for up to four years.

The Economist

Besides its 42-day detention proposals (and earlier, failed plans to imprison suspects for 90 days), it is accused of colluding with America to transport terrorist suspects to secret prisons abroad.

The Economist

"If the state refuses to speak to us, if it decides to torture, beat and imprison our people, then you can only expect people to defend themselves," he says.It is difficult to tell how much support Pudemo really has.

The Economist

Of course, we couldn't afford it, as we imprison such a disgracefully huge portion of our population, and in often sub-human conditions.

The Economist

The regime's strategy was to imprison or intern any intellectuals who had the courage to raise their voice against the dictator Enver Hoxha, Albania's communist leader from 1944 until his death in 1985.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "imprison", consider the context and choose a synonym if a more nuanced meaning is needed, such as "detain" for temporary holding or "incarcerate" for a formal legal setting.

Common error

Avoid using "imprison" when you mean to simply "restrain" someone. "Imprison" implies formal confinement, whereas "restrain" can mean limiting movement or action without necessarily involving incarceration.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "imprison" is that of a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating who or what is being confined. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, affirming its active role in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imprison" is a frequently used verb that means to confine someone in prison. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Its grammatical function is that of a transitive verb, and it's often used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts with a neutral tone. While grammatically correct, you should be mindful of its precise meaning and potential synonyms like "incarcerate", "detain", or "confine" depending on the context. Common mistakes involve using "imprison" when "restrain" is more appropriate. Ludwig's examples show that the term appears in authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica, reflecting its acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incarcerate

A more formal and legal term for putting someone in prison.

confine

Broader term indicating restriction to a specific area, not necessarily a prison.

detain

Suggests temporary holding, often by authorities, without formal charges.

hold captive

Implies forceful удерживания, often against one's will.

take into custody

A formal term indicating arrest and control by law enforcement.

lock up

An informal way to say to put someone in jail.

jail

A colloquial term referring to putting someone in jail.

put behind bars

Emphasizes the physical barrier of imprisonment.

intern

Refers to confinement, especially during wartime.

immure

Suggests enclosing or confining someone within walls, often metaphorically.

FAQs

How is "imprison" typically used in a sentence?

The word "imprison" is used as a verb, often followed by a noun or pronoun indicating who is being confined. For example, "The court decided to "imprison" the defendant for ten years".

What's the difference between ""imprison"" and "incarcerate"?

"Incarcerate" is often considered a more formal and legal term, while ""imprison"" is a more general term for confining someone in prison or jail. The terms are mostly interchangeable.

Can "imprison" be used metaphorically?

Yes, ""imprison"" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where someone feels trapped or confined by circumstances, emotions, or beliefs. For example, "She felt "imprisoned" by her own fears".

What are some synonyms for ""imprison""?

Synonyms for ""imprison"" include incarcerate, "confine", "detain", "hold captive", and "lock up".