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Penitentiary: meaning, definitions and examples

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penitentiary

 

[ˌpenɪˈtɛnʃ(ə)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal justice system

A penitentiary is a prison for people who have been convicted of serious crimes. It is a high-security facility where inmates serve their sentences.

Synonyms

correctional facility, jail, prison.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
penitentiary

This term is often used in a formal or legal context to describe a long-term facility for serious crimes. It suggests a place where offenders are not just detained but are also subject to moral reform.

  • The convict was sentenced to ten years in the state penitentiary.
  • The penitentiary has strict rules to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
prison

This word generally refers to a long-term facility where individuals serve time for serious crimes. It is the most commonly used term across various contexts.

  • He was sent to prison for armed robbery.
  • Prison conditions have been a topic of debate among human rights activists.
jail

This term is commonly used to denote a short-term facility for holding individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, often for minor crimes.

  • The suspect was taken to the local jail to await trial.
  • She spent a night in jail for a minor offense.
correctional facility

Used in a more formal and modern context, this term refers to various types of institutions, including both jails and prisons, where individuals are held for rehabilitation.

  • He was transferred to a correctional facility close to his hometown.
  • Correctional facilities aim to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reentry into society.

Examples of usage

  • The notorious criminal was sentenced to life in a penitentiary.
  • Visitors are not allowed inside the penitentiary without proper authorization.
Context #2 | Adjective

related to punishment

Penitentiary can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to punishment or correction, especially in a legal context.

Synonyms

corrective, punitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
penitentiary

Used when referring to a large, secure prison where serious criminals are held, often for long periods.

  • He was sentenced to ten years in the state penitentiary.
  • The penitentiary has maximum security measures to prevent escapes.
punitive

Used when describing actions or measures intended to punish rather than reform; often has a negative connotation.

  • The judge imposed punitive fines to deter similar behavior in the future.
  • The new law has a punitive approach towards minor offenses.
corrective

Used when talking about measures or institutions aimed at reforming and rehabilitating offenders rather than just punishing them.

  • The juvenile was sent to a corrective facility to get back on the right path.
  • Corrective programs often include educational and vocational training.

Examples of usage

  • The judge imposed a penitentiary sentence on the convicted felon.
  • She underwent penitentiary rehabilitation programs to reform her behavior.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'paenitentia,' meaning 'repentance' or 'sorrow for sin.'
  • In the 18th century, 'penitentiary' referred to a place designed for people to reflect on their actions and reform.

Historical Origins

  • The first modern penitentiary, built in Pennsylvania in the late 1700s, emphasized rehabilitation over punishment.
  • Prisons in Europe during the Middle Ages often focused on punishment rather than reform, a significant change occurred with the rise of the penitentiary concept.

Cultural Depictions

  • Penitentiaries often appear in movies and books, highlighting the experiences of inmates and their journeys to redemption.
  • The famous film 'The Shawshank Redemption' showcases life inside a penitentiary and the theme of hope amid despair.

Psychology

  • Research shows that harsh prison environments may increase recidivism, making rehabilitation crucial for reducing crime.
  • The concept of restorative justice, emphasizing healing and reparation, contrasts with traditional punitive models.

Modern-Day Issues

  • Many penitentiaries face overcrowding, leading to calls for reform to improve prisoner well-being and outcomes.
  • The debate surrounding the effectiveness of penitentiaries often includes discussions on mental health services for inmates.

Translations

Translations of the word "penitentiary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penitenciária

🇮🇳 कारागार

🇩🇪 Gefängnis

🇮🇩 penjara

🇺🇦 пенітенціарний заклад

🇵🇱 zakład karny

🇯🇵 刑務所 (けいむしょ)

🇫🇷 pénitencier

🇪🇸 penitenciaría

🇹🇷 cezaevi

🇰🇷 교도소 (gyodoso)

🇸🇦 سجن

🇨🇿 věznice

🇸🇰 väznica

🇨🇳 监狱 (jiānyù)

🇸🇮 kaznilnica

🇮🇸 fangelsi

🇰🇿 түрме

🇬🇪 ციხე

🇦🇿 cəzaxana

🇲🇽 penitenciaría

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,523, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.