Incarceration: meaning, definitions and examples
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incarceration
[ ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃn ]
criminal justice system
The act of imprisoning someone or the state of being imprisoned, typically as a punishment for a crime.
Synonyms
confinement, detention, imprisonment.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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incarceration |
This term is commonly used in legal and formal contexts to refer to the act of putting someone in prison. It emphasizes the legal aspect of being held in a facility as a result of committing a crime.
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imprisonment |
Imprisonment is similar to incarceration but is used more broadly and can be used in various contexts, including formal, legal, and conversational. It emphasizes the state of being imprisoned as a punishment.
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detention |
Detention is frequently used in the context of holding someone temporarily, often while awaiting trial or further legal action. It is also used in schools to refer to a form of punishment where students are required to stay after hours.
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confinement |
Confinement refers to the state of being restricted within certain limits, and it is often used in both legal and non-legal contexts. It can refer to being kept in any restricted area, not necessarily a prison, and may have neutral or negative implications depending on the situation.
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Examples of usage
- He spent five years in incarceration for the robbery.
- Incarceration rates have been increasing in recent years.
social issues
The state of being confined or restricted in a space or situation.
Synonyms
confinement, constraint, restriction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
incarceration |
Used primarily in legal or formal contexts to indicate someone being put in prison or jail.
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confinement |
Refers to being kept in a restricted space and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It doesn't necessarily imply legal implications.
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restriction |
Denotes a limitation or control placed on someone or something. It is commonly used in both everyday and official language.
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constraint |
Typically describes limitations or restrictions that can be either physical or metaphorical. It has a broader application beyond physical space.
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Examples of usage
- His mental health struggles led to a sense of self-incarceration.
- Poverty can sometimes feel like a form of social incarceration.
Translations
Translations of the word "incarceration" in other languages:
🇵🇹 encarceramento
🇮🇳 कैद (kaid)
🇩🇪 Inhaftierung
🇮🇩 pemenjaraan
🇺🇦 ув'язнення
🇵🇱 uwięzienie
🇯🇵 投獄 (とうごく, tougoku)
🇫🇷 incarcération
🇪🇸 encarcelamiento
🇹🇷 hapis
🇰🇷 투옥 (tuok)
🇸🇦 السجن (alsijn)
🇨🇿 uvěznění
🇸🇰 uväznenie
🇨🇳 监禁 (jiānjìn)
🇸🇮 zaprtje
🇮🇸 fangelsi
🇰🇿 қамау
🇬🇪 დაპატიმრება (dapatimreba)
🇦🇿 həbs
🇲🇽 encarcelamiento
Etymology
The word 'incarceration' originated from the Latin word 'incarcerare', which means 'to imprison'. The concept of incarceration has been a part of human societies for centuries, evolving from dungeons and jails to modern prisons. Throughout history, the use of incarceration as a form of punishment has been a subject of debate, with discussions on rehabilitation, retribution, and the impact of incarceration on individuals and society.
See also: incarcerate, incarcerated.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,351, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 14348 jargon
- 14349 choking
- 14350 acceptability
- 14351 incarceration
- 14352 beech
- 14353 stronghold
- 14354 fatalities
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