Prisoners: meaning, definitions and examples
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prisoners
[ˈprɪz.ə.nərz ]
Definition
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
prisoners |
General term for people held in prison or captivity, often used in a broad sense.
|
inmates |
People who are confined in a prison or similar institution, commonly referred to within the context of life inside prisons.
|
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.
|
detainees |
People who are held in custody, often before they have been charged or sentenced, common in legal or immigration scenarios.
|
captives |
Refers to someone who has been captured and is being held against their will, often in the context of war or kidnapping.
|
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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "prisoners" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prisioneiros
🇮🇳 कैदी
🇩🇪 Gefangene
🇮🇩 narapidana
🇺🇦 в'язні
🇵🇱 więźniowie
🇯🇵 囚人
🇫🇷 prisonniers
🇪🇸 prisioneros
🇹🇷 mahkumlar
🇰🇷 수감자
🇸🇦 السجناء
🇨🇿 vězni
🇸🇰 väzni
🇨🇳 囚犯
🇸🇮 ujetniki
🇮🇸 fangar
🇰🇿 тұтқындар
🇬🇪 ტყვეები
🇦🇿 məhbuslar
🇲🇽 prisioneros
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.
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