Cellmate: meaning, definitions and examples
👮♂️
cellmate
[ ˈsɛlˌmeɪt ]
prison setting
A cellmate is a person who shares a prison cell with another inmate. This arrangement is common in correctional facilities, where space is limited. Cellmates often have to navigate each other's habits and routines while living in close quarters. The dynamics of a cellmate relationship can vary widely based on personality and circumstances, sometimes leading to friendships or conflicts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He became good friends with his cellmate during their time in prison.
- The prison system often assigns cellmates based on their behavior.
- Conflicts can arise if a cellmate refuses to cooperate with household rules.
Translations
Translations of the word "cellmate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 colega de cela
🇮🇳 साथी कैदी
🇩🇪 Zellenkollege
🇮🇩 teman sel
🇺🇦 товариш по камері
🇵🇱 współwięzień
🇯🇵 同房者
🇫🇷 codétenu
🇪🇸 compañero de celda
🇹🇷 hücre arkadaşı
🇰🇷 셀메이트
🇸🇦 رفيق الزنزانة
🇨🇿 spoluvězeň
🇸🇰 spoluväzeň
🇨🇳 牢友
🇸🇮 sojetnik
🇮🇸 fangi
🇰🇿 тұтқын жолдас
🇬🇪 საზღვარგარეთელი
🇦🇿 hücrə yoldaşı
🇲🇽 compañero de celda
Etymology
The term 'cellmate' is a compound word formed from 'cell' and 'mate'. The word 'cell' in this context originates from the Latin word 'cella', meaning a small room or chamber. It has been used historically to refer to small, confined spaces, especially in prisons where individuals are isolated from the outside world. The word 'mate' derives from the Old English 'gemæcca', which means a companion or partner. The combination of these terms highlights the intimate yet often challenging relationship between individuals sharing a confined space. The usage of 'cellmate' in the modern English language has become more prevalent alongside prison reforms and discussions about incarceration, reflecting broader societal views on rehabilitation and the inmate experience.