Jailer

ˈdʒeɪlər

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person in charge of the custody of prisoners; a guard in a prison.

The jailer walked the halls, ensuring that all cells were locked and secure.

An official who is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a jail.

Every day, the jailer conducted inspections to maintain safety within the facility.

A person who confines another in prison or jail.

The jailer's stern demeanor kept the prisoners in line.

The word 'jailer' comes from the Middle English 'gaoler', which is derived from the Old French 'geôle', meaning 'a prison'.

Keep under lock and key

To keep something secured and protected, often used in the context of valuables or prisoners.

Behind bars

Referring to someone who is in prison.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire

To go from a bad situation to a worse one, sometimes used figuratively regarding escaping jail.

prisoner

A person who is held in a prison.

incarcerate

To confine someone in prison.

detention

The act of keeping someone in custody.

The big house keeper

He’s the big house keeper, making sure inmates stay in line.

Lockup boss

The lockup boss knows every inmate by name.