Penitentiary

/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A prison for people convicted of serious crimes.

After his conviction, he was sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary.

An institution intended for the rehabilitation of offenders.

The penitentiary system aims to reduce recidivism through educational programs.

A prison designed for long-term confinement of criminals.

He spent the majority of his time in a high-security penitentiary.

A facility housing inmates who have committed felonies.

The penitentiary was overcrowded and in need of reform.

A correctional facility for serious offenses, often with a focus on rehabilitation.

She volunteered at the local penitentiary, helping inmates learn new skills.

From Latin 'poenitentia', meaning 'repentance'.

penitentiary system

The network of prisons and correctional facilities within a jurisdiction.

penitentiary sentence

A term of imprisonment imposed by a court.

stray to the penitentiary

To end up in prison after making poor choices.

convict

A person found guilty of a crime and sentenced to imprisonment.

inmate

A person confined to an institution like a prison.

warden

An official in charge of a prison.

The pen

He’s doing time in the pen for his crimes.

The joint

He was sent to the joint after he was caught robbing a store.