imprisonable
Definition
Adjective: - Liable to result in imprisonment: "imprisonable" describes an offense or action that is punishable by a term of imprisonment under the law. - Capable of being imprisoned: Refers to a person or act that can legally be sentenced to prison.
Usage Examples
- (The offense could lead to a prison sentence.)
- (The action may not carry a prison penalty.)
- (The act was eligible for prison punishment.)
Advanced Usage
"imprisonable offense": a crime for which imprisonment is a possible penalty.
- Driving under the influence is an imprisonable offense in many jurisdictions. (It can lead to jail time.)
"imprisonable conduct": behavior that legally warrants a prison sentence.
- The law classifies fraud as imprisonable conduct. (Fraud can result in imprisonment.)
Variants and Related Words
Imprison (verb): to put someone in prison.
- The state will imprison the criminal for ten years. (Place him in prison.)
Imprisonment (noun): the state of being confined in prison.
- He faced a sentence of life imprisonment. (Permanent confinement.)
Imprisonability (noun): the quality of being liable to imprisonment.
- The imprisonability of the crime depends on its severity. (The potential for prison punishment.)
Synonyms
Punishable by imprisonment: subject to a prison sentence.
- Treason is punishable by imprisonment. (Can lead to jail.)
Jailable (informal): liable to result in jail time.
- This is a jailable offense in some states. (Carries a jail penalty.)
Related Idioms
Do time: to serve a prison sentence.
- If the crime is imprisonable, he may have to do time. (Serve time in prison.)
Behind bars: in prison.
- An imprisonable act could land you behind bars. (In prison.)