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Prisoners Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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prisoners

[ˈprɪz.ə.nərz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in law enforcement

People who are held in captivity against their will as a form of punishment for committing a crime. Prisoners may be incarcerated for a specific period of time or for life, depending on the severity of their offense.

Synonyms

captives, convicts, detainees, inmates.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prisoners

General term for people held in prison or captivity, often used in a broad sense.

  • The prisoners are allowed one hour of exercise each day
  • During the war, many soldiers were taken as prisoners
inmates

People who are confined in a prison or similar institution, commonly referred to within the context of life inside prisons.

  • The inmates are allowed to call their families once a week
  • The new warden introduced programs to help inmates earn diplomas
convicts

People who have been found guilty of a crime by a court of law and are serving a sentence, often emphasizes their criminal record.

  • The convicts were transferred to a maximum-security prison
  • The prison program aims to rehabilitate convicts
detainees

People who are held in custody, often before they have been charged or sentenced, common in legal or immigration scenarios.

  • The police have several detainees in custody for questioning
  • Immigration authorities are processing the detainees
captives

Refers to someone who has been captured and is being held against their will, often in the context of war or kidnapping.

  • The rebels took several captives during the conflict
  • The hostages were held as captives for months

Examples of usage

  • The prisoners were escorted back to their cells after the court hearing.
  • He spent years visiting prisoners in the local jail, offering them support and guidance.
  • The government announced a new initiative to reduce the number of prisoners in overcrowded prisons.
  • She felt a sense of compassion for the prisoners, understanding that many of them had faced difficult circumstances in their lives.
  • The documentary shed light on the living conditions of prisoners in the country's most notorious prison.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'prison' comes from the Latin 'prensio,' which means 'to take' or 'to capture.'
  • Throughout history, prisons have evolved from dungeons and castles to modern correctional facilities designed for rehabilitation.
  • In ancient civilizations, prisoners were often enslaved or used as laborers rather than confined in specific buildings.

Cultural Representation

  • Literature often explores themes of imprisonment, with famous works like 'Les Misérables' showcasing the struggles and redemption of a former prisoner.
  • Films such as 'The Shawshank Redemption' depict the challenges and camaraderie found among prisoners, influencing public perceptions about incarceration.
  • Art from various cultures often symbolizes freedom and imprisonment, highlighting the emotional impact on individuals' lives.

Psychology

  • Research shows that the experience of incarceration can deeply affect a person’s mental health, leading to conditions like anxiety and depression.
  • Being imprisoned can change brain chemistry, often requiring therapeutic support to help reintegrate into society post-release.
  • Studies indicate that education and rehabilitation programs within prisons can improve chances of re-offending after release.

Statistics

  • Globally, the prison population has been steadily increasing, with the United States having one of the highest incarceration rates in the world.
  • In many countries, gender disparity in incarceration rates is evident, with significantly fewer women being imprisoned compared to men.
  • Recidivism rates, or the likelihood of returning to prison, vary widely by location, but many jurisdictions report figures between 50-75% within three years of release.

Legal Perspectives

  • The concept of 'innocent until proven guilty' plays a crucial role in how prisoners are treated, emphasizing the need for fair trials.
  • Many legal systems have mechanisms in place for reviewing wrongful convictions, highlighting the importance of justice and due process.
  • International law treats prisoners' rights as fundamental, insisting on humane conditions and the need for rehabilitation instead of punishment.

Origin of 'prisoners'

The word 'prisoners' originates from the Latin word 'prehendere', meaning 'to seize, to arrest'. The concept of imprisoning individuals as a form of punishment has existed for centuries, with various forms of detention facilities evolving over time. In modern society, prisons serve as institutions for holding individuals who have been convicted of committing crimes, with the goal of rehabilitation and/or punishment.

See also: imprison, prisoner.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,007, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.