false arrest

noun

: an arrest not justifiable under law

Examples of false arrest in a Sentence

He's suing the police for false arrest.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maddox, who was released, is seeking $250,000 for assault, false arrest, negligence, defamation, and false imprisonment. — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026 Without discussion the board approved the settlement for Jacy Houseton and Damon Barnes, whose lawsuit claimed excessive force, false arrest and other allegations. — City News Service, Daily News, 7 July 2026 But now, under the Bivens Act, the protester can sue the federal agent for false arrest, malicious prosecution, evidence fabrication, and excessive force. — Joel B. Rudin, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 But while false arrests due to facial recognition software can easily be blamed on glitchy tech, an even more disturbing pattern is starting to emerge, as AI-wielding officers don’t just misidentify suspects, but use the technology to fabricate evidence. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for false arrest

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of false arrest was in 1715

Rhymes for false arrest

See All Rhymes for false arrest

Browse Nearby Words

false arch
false arrest
false asphodel
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Cite this Entry

“False arrest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20arrest. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Legal Definition

false arrest

see also:
arrest
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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