Meaning & Definition of word "Incarceration"

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    Incarceration

    /ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃən/

    noun:

    • 1. The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.
      • Example: The incarceration of the suspect lasted for six months before the trial began.
    • 2. The act of confining someone in prison.
      • Example: Many argue that the incarceration policies in the country need reform.
    • 3. The condition in which someone is imprisoned.
      • Example: His unjust incarceration raised awareness about the flaws in the legal system.
    • 4. The detention of someone as a means of punishment.
      • Example: Incarceration rates have surged due to harsher sentencing laws.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'incarcerare', meaning 'to imprison'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    prisoner's incarceration:

    the time spent in prison by an inmate.

    preventive incarceration:

    holding someone in custody to prevent them from committing further crimes.

    life incarceration:

    a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.

    Related Words

    imprisonment:

    The act of imprisoning someone.

    detention:

    The act of keeping someone in custody.

    confinement:

    The act of restraining someone or limiting their freedom.

    Slang Meanings of incarceration

    Meaning: The slammer

    Example Sentence: He's been in the slammer for assault.

    Meaning: The pen

    Example Sentence: She spent three years in the pen for her crime.

    Meaning: Behind bars

    Example Sentence: He's been behind bars ever since his conviction.