Synonyms for

Imprisoned

Verb / ˌɪˈmprɪzʌnd / Another word for imprisoned — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to put someone in prison or to keep them confined

Synonyms & similar words

confined lag jailed immure jug incarcerate imprison captive jail gaol remand putbehindbars putaway incarcerated confined detained jailed captured enslaved restrained trapped restricted bounded fettered hampered handcuffed shackled ensnared cornered gaoled immured cooped

Synonyms by register

Formal

incarcerated confined detained interned

Informal

jailed caged locked up behind bars

Literary

enslaved bound in thrall

Antonyms

free liberated released unfettered unchained at liberty emancipated

Common collocations

  • imprisoned for life
  • imprisoned without trial
  • imprisoned by fear
  • imprisoned in a cell
  • imprisoned in a tower
  • imprisoned by circumstance

Word family

noun imprisonment
verb imprison
adjective imprisoned

Usage note

While 'imprisoned' can refer to literal confinement, it is also often used metaphorically to describe a state of being held back or restricted by emotions, circumstances, or beliefs.

Example sentences

  1. The thief was imprisoned for ten years.
  2. The bird was imprisoned in a cage.
  3. He felt imprisoned in his job.
  4. The magician imprisoned the rabbit in the hat.
  5. The king imprisoned his enemies in the dungeon.

Quotes

  • I am a prisoner of hope. - Joel Osteen
  • Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated. - Nelson Mandela
  • Prison is a second-by-second assault on the soul, a day-to-day degradation of the self. - Mumia Abu-Jamal

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