Inmates - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

prison population

People confined in a prison or mental institution. Inmates are individuals who have been deprived of their freedom due to committing a crime or deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Synonyms

convicts, detainees, prisoners.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inmates	Inmates refers broadly to people confined in an institution such as a prison or jail. This term can also be used in other settings like a psychiatric institution, but it is most commonly associated with prisons. The prison warden addressed the concerns of the inmates. During the lockdown, all inmates were confined to their cells.
prisoners	Prisoners are individuals who have been deprived of their freedom and are held in a prison. This term is generally neutral and can be interchangeably used with inmates. The prisoners were allowed one hour of exercise each day. He spent five years as a prisoner before his release.
convicts	Convicts are individuals who have been found guilty and sentenced in a court of law. This term has a slightly older feel and often is used in legal or historical contexts. The convicts were transferred to a maximum-security facility. In historical accounts, the convicts were often sentenced to hard labor.
detainees	Detainees are people held in custody, often while awaiting trial or during questioning. This term is frequently used in the context of administrative, immigration, or military detention. The detainees awaited their court hearing in a holding facility. International agencies often advocate for the humane treatment of detainees.

Examples of usage

He visited the inmates at the local prison.
The inmates were given educational opportunities to improve their skills.
She works with inmates to help them prepare for life after release.

Interesting Facts

Societal Impact

In the 21st century, rehabilitation programs for inmates have gained attention, focusing on reducing recidivism rates.
The treatment and rights of inmates vary greatly across different countries, affecting their ability to reintegrate into society after release.

Pop Culture

Movies and TV shows often dramatize the lives of inmates, with titles like 'Prison Break' showcasing daring escapes.
Famous figures like Nelson Mandela were once inmates, highlighting the role of incarceration in social and political activism.

Psychology

Inmates often face mental health challenges due to isolation and the stresses of prison life, leading to increased advocacy for mental health services.
Research suggests that the stigma attached to being an inmate impacts their reintegration into society, making it harder to find work.

History

The concept of incarceration dates back to ancient civilizations, where imprisonment was used as a form of punishment long before modern legal systems existed.
In 1776, Jeremy Bentham proposed the idea of the Panopticon, a prison design that allowed guards to observe inmates without them knowing, influencing modern prison design.

Origin of 'inmates'

Main points about word origin

The word 'inmate' comes from the Middle English word 'inmet,' meaning someone who lives in a place.
It originally described people living in institutions, which included not just prisons but also hospitals and asylums.

The word 'inmates' originated from the combination of 'in' meaning 'inside' and 'mate' meaning 'companion'. It dates back to the 16th century and was initially used to refer to those living together in the same house. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote individuals confined in prisons or mental institutions.

See also: inmate, mates, mating, stalemate.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,748 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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Inmates Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations