Meaning & Definition of word "Incarceration"

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.