crossword clue imprison – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the crossword clue 'imprison'. On this page, you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Let's find that perfect word!
Solutions for "crossword clue imprison" by Letter Count
3 Letters
NAB: To arrest or seize, often implying confinement.
4 Letters
BIND: To tie up, restricting movement and effectively confining.
HOLD: To keep or detain someone, often against their will.
JAIL: To put someone in prison.
5 Letters
CAGED: Confined within a cage, implying imprisonment.
6 Letters
DETAIN: To keep someone in official custody, especially for a short period.
INTERN: To confine (someone) as a prisoner, especially for political or military reasons.
LOCKUP: To confine someone in a secure place.
SECURE: To fix or close firmly, preventing escape or movement.
7 Letters
ENCLOSE: To surround or close off, confining within a space.
8 Letters
CONFINED: Restricted to a limited space or area, often by force.
11 Letters
INCARCERATE: To imprison or confine.
More About "crossword clue imprison"
The crossword clue "imprison" is a common one, and its answers often revolve around synonyms for holding, detaining, or confining. While seemingly straightforward, the exact answer can depend heavily on the required letter count and the specific context provided by other intersecting words in your puzzle. Terms like 'jail', 'detain', and 'confine' are frequently encountered, each carrying slight nuances in meaning that a seasoned crossword solver will appreciate.
Understanding these subtle differences can be key. 'Jail' typically implies a more formal and longer-term confinement in a correctional facility. 'Detain' can refer to a temporary holding, perhaps by authorities, without necessarily leading to a formal conviction or extended sentence. 'Confine' is a broader term, meaning to restrict someone or something to a limited space, and can be used in both literal and figurative senses.
Crossword setters love to play with these variations, sometimes offering clues that lean into the precise legal definition, and other times using a more general or even metaphorical sense of being trapped. Always consider the puzzle's overall tone and the type of clues typically used by that particular crossword designer when you encounter "imprison".
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Start with Known Letters: If you have any letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them! They drastically reduce the number of possible answers for "imprison".
- Consider All Synonyms: Don't just think of the most obvious answers. Brainstorm a wide range of words that mean to 'imprison' or 'confine', and then check their letter counts.
- Check for Wordplay: Sometimes, "imprison" might be part of a cryptic clue. Look for indicators of anagrams, hidden words, or other wordplay if standard synonyms aren't fitting.
- Part of Speech Matters: Determine if the clue implies a verb (to imprison), a noun (an imprisonment), or an adjective (imprisoned). This can guide your answer choice.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'JAIL' and 'DETAIN' as answers for 'imprison'?
While both imply restricting freedom, 'JAIL' often refers to longer-term confinement in a specific facility, whereas 'DETAIN' can be shorter-term and not necessarily in a prison, such as being held by police for questioning. In crosswords, the context of the surrounding letters often helps differentiate.
How can I figure out the length of the answer if I'm stuck on 'imprison'?
If you have some letters already filled in from intersecting words, you can count the empty squares to determine the exact length of the missing word. This is often the quickest way to narrow down possibilities and find the correct answer for 'imprison' among many synonyms.
Does 'imprison' ever have a figurative meaning in crosswords?
Occasionally, yes. A crossword clue might use 'imprison' figuratively to refer to being trapped or constrained by circumstances, feelings, or even objects, leading to answers like 'BOUND' or 'HELD BACK' in a broader sense of confinement, not just physical incarceration.