Calabozo (en. Dungeon)

/kalaˈβoθo/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Compartment or cell in which a person is confined as a disciplinary measure or as punishment.
The thief was taken to the calabozo after being arrested.
El ladrón fue llevado al calabozo después de ser detenido.
Colloquial synonym for jail or prison.
He spent several nights in the calabozo due to his behavior.
Pasó varias noches en el calabozo por su comportamiento.
Any place considered a trap or site of isolation.
The calabozo of the castle was cold and dark.
El calabozo del castillo era frío y oscuro.

Etymology

The term 'calabozo' comes from the Arabic 'qarâbūz', which means 'prison'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to put in the calabozo
To put someone in prison.
meter en el calabozo
to get out of the calabozo
To be released from prison.
salir del calabozo
police lockup
Temporary cell where arrested individuals are held.
calabozo de la policía

Related Words

jail
Place where sentences of deprivation of liberty are served.
cárcel
detention
Action of detaining someone.
detención
sentence
Penalty imposed by a court.
condena

Slang Meanings

Calabozo as a synonym for trouble.
That decision is going to lead you to the calabozo.
Esa decisión te va a llevar al calabozo.
Referring to an uncomfortable or restrictive place.
That place is a calabozo; I don't want to go.
Ese lugar es un calabozo, no quiero ir.