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Gaol - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Gaol is an older British spelling of jail, meaning a place where people are held as punishment for crimes or while awaiting trial. It is now less commonly used.

gaol

/dʒeɪl/ /dʒeɪl/

Definition:

A place for the confinement of prisoners; an archaic or British variant of "jail."

Synonyms:

prison, jail, penitentiary, lockup

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

freedom, liberty

Common Collocations:

gaol sentence, gaol term, gaol break, gaol cell

Derivatives:

gaoler, gaoled, gaoling

Usage Tips:

Use "gaol" in British contexts; "jail" is preferred in American English but means the same thing.

Common Phrases:

break out of gaol, sent to gaol, gaol fever

Etymology:

Derived from Old French "gaiole," meaning "cage," influenced by Latin "caveola," a diminutive of "cavea."

Examples:

  • 1. The thief was sent to gaol for his crimes.
  • 2. She visited her brother in gaol every Sunday.
  • 3. The old gaol is now a museum.
  • 4. He escaped from gaol but was caught again.

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