imprison
UK: ɪmˈprɪz(ə)n | US: ɪmˈprɪz(ə)n
vt. to confine someone in a prison or restrict their freedom
vt. to restrict or limit something abstract (e.g., creativity)
The word "imprison" combines the prefix "im-" (a variant of "in-" meaning "into") with the root "prison" (from Old French "prisoun," derived from Latin "prehensio," meaning "seizure" or "capture"). The prefix intensifies the action of confinement, reflecting the literal act of placing someone into a prison. Over time, it also gained figurative use for restricting abstract concepts.
The judge decided to imprison the criminal for ten years.
Oppressive regimes often imprison political dissidents.
Fear can imprison a person’s ability to think freely.
The castle was used to imprison enemies during the war.
She felt imprisoned by her strict upbringing.