what does false imprisonment mean

False imprisonment means wrongfully and intentionally restricting someone’s freedom of movement without legal authority or their consent. It can happen even without physical force, such as by threats, locking someone in, or using apparent authority to keep them from leaving.

What it involves

• The person is kept from leaving or moving freely.
• The restraint is not legally justified.
• It can be done by force, threats, deception, or authority.

Simple example

If someone locks a person in a room or blocks them from leaving a car when they want to go, that can be false imprisonment.

Legal meaning

False imprisonment can be both:

• a crime , and
• a civil wrong that may allow the victim to seek damages.

Related note

It is different from kidnapping, which usually involves moving or holding someone for a more serious criminal purpose.

TL;DR: false imprisonment is unlawfully trapping or detaining someone against their will.