Inmate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔒
Add to dictionary

inmate

[ˈɪnˌmeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

prison

A person confined in an institution such as a prison or hospital.

Synonyms

convict, detainee, prisoner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
inmate

Inmate is commonly used to refer to someone residing in a prison or jail but can also refer to residents of other institutional settings, such as a mental health facility. The term is neutral and does not imply guilt or innocence.

  • The inmate was allotted a cell in the upper block.
  • She works as a counselor for inmates at the state penitentiary.
prisoner

Prisoner is a common term for someone who is confined in a prison, regardless of their legal status or the nature of their confinement. It can be used in both neutral and negative contexts.

  • The prisoner is allowed one hour of outdoor exercise each day.
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as prisoners.
convict

Convict specifically refers to someone who has been found guilty of a crime and is serving a sentence. This term has a more negative connotation as it denotes a confirmed criminal status.

  • Many convicts find it difficult to reintegrate into society after their release.
  • The judge sentenced the convict to ten years in prison.
detainee

Detainee is typically used to describe a person held in custody, often without formal charges, such as those in immigration detention centers or under other forms of administrative detention. It is neutral in tone and does not imply guilt.

  • The detainee was held for questioning by immigration authorities.
  • Human rights organizations are concerned about the treatment of detainees.

Examples of usage

  • He was visited by his family while he was an inmate at the correctional facility.
  • The inmates were provided with basic necessities such as food and shelter.
  • The inmate requested to speak with the prison warden regarding his case.

Translations

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

Origin of 'inmate'

The word 'inmate' originated from the combination of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'in' or 'inside' and the word 'mate' meaning 'companion' or 'fellow'. It first appeared in the mid-17th century in the context of someone who is confined within a particular institution, such as a prison or hospital.


See also: inmates, mates, mating, stalemate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,324, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.