Meaning & Definition of word "Penitentiary"

Penitentiary

/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəri/

1. A prison for people convicted of serious crimes.
- Example: After his conviction, he was sentenced to five years in the state penitentiary.
2. An institution intended for the rehabilitation of offenders.
- Example: The penitentiary system aims to reduce recidivism through educational programs.
3. A prison designed for long-term confinement of criminals.
- Example: He spent the majority of his time in a high-security penitentiary.
4. A facility housing inmates who have committed felonies.
- Example: The penitentiary was overcrowded and in need of reform.
5. A correctional facility for serious offenses, often with a focus on rehabilitation.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: The pen

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

Meaning: The joint

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