What term is used when a person intentionally restrains another person?

The term "unlawful restraint" specifically refers to the act of intentionally restricting a person's freedom of movement without legal justification. This involves holding or confining someone against their will, which is a violation of their rights. In the context of law enforcement and legal definitions, unlawful restraint is a clear and direct term that describes the act of physically limiting someone's ability to leave a certain space or area, establishing a clear distinction from other related terms.

While terms such as kidnapping, assault, and false imprisonment have their own specific legal definitions, they may not precisely capture the act of intentional restraint alone. Kidnapping generally involves the unlawful taking or carrying away of a person, which may involve additional elements such as intent to permanently deprive them of their freedom. Assault typically involves causing fear of imminent harm or actual bodily injury rather than the physical act of restraint itself. False imprisonment, although related, usually refers to the unlawful confinement of an individual in a specific space without legal authority, and it emphasizes the aspect of confinement rather than the act of physically restraining someone.

Therefore, "unlawful restraint" is the most accurate description for the scenario involving the intentional act of restricting another person's movement.