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Incarceration - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Incarceration is the act of confining someone in prison or jail as a form of legal punishment. It is used when individuals are convicted of crimes and sentenced to imprisonment.

incarceration

/ˌɪn.kɑːr.səˈreɪ.ʃən/ /ˌɪn.kɑː.səˈreɪ.ʃən/

Definition:

The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.

Synonyms:

imprisonment, confinement, detention, custody

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

freedom, liberation

Common Collocations:

mass incarceration, wrongful incarceration, long-term incarceration

Derivatives:

incarcerate, incarcerated, incarcerating

Usage Tips:

Use "incarceration" to formally describe imprisonment, often in legal or social justice contexts.

Common Phrases:

behind bars, serving time, locked up

Etymology:

From Latin "incarcerare," meaning "to imprison," combining "in-" (into) and "carcer" (prison).

Examples:

  • 1. The judge sentenced him to five years of incarceration.
  • 2. Many activists oppose the high rates of incarceration for minor offenses.
  • 3. Her research focuses on the effects of incarceration on families.
  • 4. The documentary exposed the harsh conditions of incarceration in the facility.

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