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Committal: meaning, definitions and examples

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committal

 

[ kəˈmɪtəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Committal refers to the act of sending someone to prison or a place of confinement, especially during a legal process. It can also denote the formal act of committing someone to a mental institution under legal guidelines.

Synonyms

detention, imprisonment, incarceration

Examples of usage

  • The judge ordered the committal of the defendant.
  • A committal hearing was scheduled for next week.
  • Committal to a psychiatric facility requires specific criteria.
Context #2 | Noun

final disposition

Committal can also refer to the act of committing a body to the ground, often seen in funerals or burial rites. This usage emphasizes the finality of the act and the respectful handling of the deceased.

Synonyms

burial, entombment, interment

Examples of usage

  • The committal service was held at the cemetery.
  • Family members gathered for the committal of their loved one.
  • The priest led the committal in a solemn ceremony.

Translations

Translations of the word "committal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compromisso

🇮🇳 समर्पण

🇩🇪 Übergabe

🇮🇩 komitmen

🇺🇦 зобов'язання

🇵🇱 zobowiązanie

🇯🇵 委託

🇫🇷 engagement

🇪🇸 compromiso

🇹🇷 taahhüt

🇰🇷 위임

🇸🇦 التزام

🇨🇿 závazek

🇸🇰 záväzok

🇨🇳 承诺

🇸🇮 zaveza

🇮🇸 skuldbinding

🇰🇿 міндеттеме

🇬🇪 შესახებ

🇦🇿 öhdəlik

🇲🇽 compromiso

Word origin

The word 'committal' originates from the late Middle English, deriving from the Latin root 'commitere,' meaning 'to put together, to bring together.' This Latin verb is a combination of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'mittere' meaning 'to send.' Initially, the term was used in legal contexts to refer to the act of sending someone to prison or an institution. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the formal act of committing a body to a final resting place during burial ceremonies. The usage of 'committal' in a legal sense reflects society's practice of organized justice and the enforcement of laws, while its application in funerals showcases cultural rituals surrounding death and remembrance.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,226, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.