im·prison [imprisonimprisonsimprisonedimprisoning] BrE [ɪmˈprɪzn] NAmE [ɪmˈprɪzn] verb often passive ~ sb to put sb in a prison or another place from which they cannot escape Syn: ↑jail •They were imprisoned for possession of drugs. • (figurative)Some young mothers feel imprisoned in their own homes. Derived Word: ↑imprisonment Verb forms:
Word Origin: Middle English emprison, from Old French emprisoner, from em- ‘in’ + prison.
Collocations: Criminal justice Breaking the law break/violate/obey/uphold the law be investigated/arrested/tried for a crime/a robbery/fraud be arrested/ (especially NAmE) indicted/convicted on charges of rape/fraud/(especially US) felony charges be arrested on suspicion of arson/robbery/shoplifting be accused of/be charged with murder/(especially NAmE) homicide/four counts of fraud face two charges of indecent assault admit your guilt/liability/responsibility (for sth) deny the allegations/claims/charges confess to a crime grant/be refused/be released on/skip/jump bail The legal process stand/await/bring sb to/come to/be on trial take sb to/come to/settle sth out of court face/avoid/escape prosecution seek/retain/have the right to/be denied access to legal counsel hold/conduct/attend/adjourn a hearing/trial sit on/influence/persuade/convince the jury sit/stand/appear/be put/place sb in the dock plead guilty/not guilty to a crime be called to/enter (BrE) the witness box take/put sb on the stand/(NAmE) the witness stand call/subpoena/question/cross-examine a witness give/hear the evidence against/on behalf of sb raise/withdraw/overrule an objection reach a unanimous/majority verdict return/deliver/record a verdict of not guilty/unlawful killing/accidental death convict/acquit the defendant of the crime secure a conviction/your acquittal lodge/file an appeal appeal (against)/challenge/uphold/overturn a conviction/verdict Sentencing and punishment pass sentence on sb carry/face/serve a seven-year/life sentence receive/be given the death penalty be sentenced to ten years (in prison/jail) carry/impose/pay a fine (of $3 000)/a penalty (of 14 years imprisonment) be imprisoned/jailed for drug possession/fraud/murder do/serve time/ten years be sent to/put sb in/be released from jail/prison be/put sb/spend X years on death row be granted/be denied/break (your) parole more collocations at ↑crime
Example Bank: •He was imprisoned in a dungeon. •Her fear virtually imprisoned her in her home. •We work on behalf of people who have been wrongly imprisoned.
