Imprisoned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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imprisoned

[ษชmหˆprษชz(ษ™)nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

behind bars

To be confined or held in a prison or jail against one's will. It is a form of punishment for committing a crime or awaiting trial. The act of imprisoning someone restricts their freedom and movement.

Synonyms

confined, detained, incarcerated.

Examples of usage

  • He was imprisoned for theft.
  • The political activists were imprisoned for speaking out against the government.
  • She felt claustrophobic while being imprisoned in a small cell.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being imprisoned can lead to feelings of isolation and despair, affecting mental health significantly.
  • Research shows that social interaction opportunities can greatly reduce the negative psychological effects of imprisonment.
  • The environment inside prisons can lead to learned helplessness, where individuals feel they have no control over their lives.

Cultural Representation

  • Imprisonment has been a powerful theme in literature, reflecting human suffering and the quest for freedom, as seen in works like 'Les Misรฉrables.'
  • Movies often portray imprisonment as a way to explore themes of redemption, oppression, and resistance, such as in 'The Shawshank Redemption.'
  • Artists like Banksy use imagery of imprisonment to critique social injustices, creating thought-provoking pieces that resonate with the public.

Legal Systems

  • Different countries have varying legal frameworks that determine the reasons and conditions for imprisonment.
  • Incarceration rates are influenced by social factors, including economic status and access to legal representation.
  • The concept of 'rehabilitative justice' is gaining attention, focusing on reforming rather than just punishing imprisoned individuals.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, many political prisoners have been jailed for their beliefs, leading to global movements advocating for human rights.
  • In ancient Rome, imprisonment was often a prelude to execution, reflecting the harsh penalties of the time.
  • The abolition of slavery in the 19th century highlighted the injustices of imprisonment as many were wrongfully confined.

Origin of 'imprisoned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'imprisonare,' which means 'to put in a prison.'
  • In Old French, the term 'emprisoner' meant to seize or take captive, influencing the modern usage.
  • The concept of imprisonment has evolved from ancient societies having no structured legal systems to modern laws that govern incarceration.

The word 'imprisoned' originated from the Latin word 'imprisonare', which means 'to confine in prison'. The concept of imprisoning individuals as a form of punishment dates back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. Throughout history, imprisonment has been used as a method of social control and justice, evolving into the prison systems we have today.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,940 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.