Inmate

/ˈɪn.meɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person confined to an institution such as a prison, hospital, or asylum.

The inmate was transferred to a higher security facility.

A person residing in a particular place or institution.

The hospital provides comprehensive care for each inmate.

Someone who is a member of a particular community or group.

As an inmate of the shelter, she participated in various programs.

Late Middle English: from in- 'in' + mate (as in 'mate in a house').

lifer

An inmate serving a life sentence.

cellmate

An inmate who shares a cell with another inmate.

inmate labor

Work performed by inmates, often for little or no pay.

prison

A facility for the confinement of inmates.

detention

The act of keeping someone in custody.

rehabilitation

The process of helping inmates reintegrate into society.

Con

He was just a con who got caught again.

Bunkmate

My bunkmate was serving time for robbery.