Imprison — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /im-ˈpri-zᵊn/ im·pris·on

Meaning & Definition of Imprison

Imprison (verb)

  1. to put in or as if in prison, confine

Imprison (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put in or as if in prison

    "in this society, we try to imprison criminals so that they can't do any more harm"

    similar: commit, confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug, lock (up)
    related: constrain, limit, restrain, restrict, shut, bar, gate, apprehend, arrest, bust (slang), capture, catch, detain, nab, pick up, pinch, seize, impress, shanghai, hold, impound, keep, bind, enchain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel
    opposite: discharge, free, liberate, release
    near: emancipate, enfranchise, manumit, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Imprison

The most common words with a similar meaning to Imprison:

commit, confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug, lock (up)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Imprison

Words with the opposite meaning of Imprison:

discharge, free, liberate, release

Related Words for Imprison

constrain, limit, restrain, restrict, shut, bar, gate, apprehend, arrest, bust, capture, catch, detain, nab, pick up, pinch, seize, impress, shanghai, hold, impound, keep, bind, enchain, fetter, handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel

Near Antonyms of Imprison

emancipate, enfranchise, manumit, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Word Forms of Imprison

Inflections: imprisoned, imprisoning, imprisons

Derived words: imprisonment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Imprison

Middle English, from Anglo-French emprisoner, from en- + prison prison

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Imprison

Frequently Asked Questions about Imprison

What does "Imprison" mean?

"Imprison" means to put in or as if in prison, confine. As a verb, it is defined as: to put in or as if in prison, confine.

What is another word for "Imprison"?

Other words for "Imprison" include commit, confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug and lock (up). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Imprison" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Imprison"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Imprison". Common alternatives include commit, confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, jug and lock (up).

What is the opposite of "Imprison"?

Antonyms of "Imprison" include discharge, free, liberate and release. Near antonyms include emancipate, enfranchise, manumit and unbind.

How do you use "Imprison" in a sentence?

Examples of "Imprison" in a sentence: "in this society, we try to imprison criminals so that they can't do any more harm".

Is "Imprison" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Imprison" is a verb.

Is "Imprison" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Imprison" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Imprison"?

"Imprison" is pronounced /im-ˈpri-zᵊn/ and divided into syllables as im·pris·on.