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Jail: meaning, definitions and examples

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jail

 

[ dʒeɪl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

place

A place where criminals are held as a punishment for their crimes. Jails are usually run by the government and inmates are kept in cells.

Synonyms

lockup, penitentiary, prison

Examples of usage

  • John was sent to jail for stealing a car.
  • She visited her brother in jail.
  • The jail was overcrowded with prisoners.
  • The jailbreak was carefully planned by the inmates.
  • The new jail facilities were designed to be more secure.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To imprison someone in a jail as a punishment for a crime they have committed.

Synonyms

detain, imprison, incarcerate

Examples of usage

  • The judge decided to jail the criminal for 10 years.
  • If you commit the crime, you will be jailed.
  • He was jailed for his involvement in the robbery.

Translations

Translations of the word "jail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 prisão

🇮🇳 जेल

🇩🇪 Gefängnis

🇮🇩 penjara

🇺🇦 в'язниця

🇵🇱 więzienie

🇯🇵 刑務所 (けいむしょ)

🇫🇷 prison

🇪🇸 cárcel

🇹🇷 hapishane

🇰🇷 감옥 (gamok)

🇸🇦 سجن

🇨🇿 vězení

🇸🇰 väzenie

🇨🇳 监狱 (jiānyù)

🇸🇮 zapori

🇮🇸 fangelsi

🇰🇿 түрме

🇬🇪 ციხე (tsikhe)

🇦🇿 həbsxana

🇲🇽 cárcel

Etymology

The word 'jail' originated from the Old French word 'jaiole', which means 'a cage'. The concept of jails dates back to ancient times, with various forms of detention facilities used throughout history. In modern times, jails are used as a form of punishment and rehabilitation for criminals.

See also: jailer.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,969, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.