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Incarcerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incarcerate

[ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in prison

To incarcerate means to put someone in prison or in another institution where their freedom is restricted. It is a formal term used in legal and official contexts.

Synonyms

confine, detain, imprison, lock-up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incarcerate

This term is typically used in legal and formal contexts and implies being put in prison as part of a judicial process.

  • The judge decided to incarcerate the criminal for ten years.
imprison

Commonly used in formal and legal contexts, this term implies being put in jail as a punishment.

  • He was imprisoned for his involvement in the robbery.
detain

Used in situations where someone is held temporarily, often for questioning or due to procedural delays. Doesn't necessarily mean being put in jail.

  • The police decided to detain the suspect for further questioning.
  • Customs officers detained him at the airport.
confine

This word is used to describe restricting someone's freedom of movement within a certain space, and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It doesn't always imply a legal or punitive context.

  • She was confined to her room due to illness.
  • They decided to confine the prisoner in a small cell.
lock-up

This is a more colloquial and less formal way to describe being put in a cell or temporary holding place, such as a police station. Can have a slightly informal or even humorous tone.

  • The troublemakers spent the night in the lock-up.
  • They threatened to put him in the lock-up if he didn't calm down.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to incarcerate the criminal for his actions.
  • After being found guilty, the judge chose to incarcerate the defendant.
  • The government has the power to incarcerate individuals who pose a threat to society.
  • Many activists fight against the unjust incarceration of innocent people.
  • In some countries, political opponents of the regime are often incarcerated without fair trial.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal System

  • Incarceration rates have increased dramatically in many countries due to stricter laws and policies over the past few decades.
  • Some studies show that a high rate of incarceration can impact communities, leading to economic decline and social issues.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that long-term incarceration can lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
  • The concept of incarceration as a punishment dates back to ancient societies, highlighting the shift from corporal punishment to confinement.

Pop Culture

  • Incarceration is often depicted in movies and TV shows, showcasing both the personal struggles of inmates and broader societal debates on criminal justice.
  • Songs and literature frequently explore themes of incarceration, discussing its impacts on families and individuals.

Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

  • The debate around incarceration often revolves around whether it should focus on punishment or rehabilitation of offenders.
  • Some programs have emerged aiming to reduce recidivism by providing education and job training to help former inmates reintegrate into society.

Origin of 'incarcerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'carcer', which means 'prison' or 'enclosure'.
  • The prefix 'in-' means 'in' or 'into', so together it indicates putting someone into a place of confinement.

The word 'incarcerate' originated from the Latin word 'incarceratus', which means 'imprisoned'. The prefix 'in-' denotes 'in' or 'into', and 'carcer' means 'prison'. The term has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of imprisoning someone. Throughout history, incarceration has been a method of punishment and rehabilitation for criminal behavior, evolving in form and purpose over time.

See also: incarcerated, incarceration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,107, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.