Impressment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Impressment refers to the act of forcibly recruiting individuals, often sailors, into military or naval service without their consent. It was historically practiced by nations like Britain during wartime.
Definition:
The act of forcibly enlisting individuals into military or naval service.
Synonyms:
conscription, drafting, enlistment, press-ganging
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
discharge, release
Common Collocations:
naval impressment, forced impressment, wartime impressment
Derivatives:
impress, impressed, impressing
Usage Tips:
Use "impressment" to describe historical forced recruitment, especially in maritime contexts like the British Navy.
Common Phrases:
press-gang tactics, forced service, involuntary recruitment
Etymology:
Derived from "impress," meaning to compel service, originating from Latin "imprimere" (to press upon).
Examples:
- 1. The British used impressment to fill their navy during wars.
- 2. Impressment angered many American sailors before the War of 1812.
- 3. He escaped impressment by hiding in a coastal village.
- 4. The practice of impressment declined in the 19th century.