Word: Jail

Pronunciation

/dʒeɪl/

Definitions

• Noun: A place where people are legally confined as a punishment for crimes they have committed or while awaiting trial. Example: “He was sent to jail for theft.”
• Verb: To put someone in prison or a similar place of confinement as a punishment or while awaiting trial. Example: “The police jailed the suspect pending further investigation.”

Noun Usage Examples

• “The new jail has improved facilities for rehabilitation programs.”
• “She was released from jail after serving her sentence.”

Verb Usage Examples

• “The defendant could be jailed for up to five years if found guilty.”
• “If he fails to appear in court, a warrant will be issued for his arrest and he could be jailed.”

Phrases

• “Go to jail”: To be imprisoned as a consequence of one’s actions.
• “Spend time in jail”: To be confined in jail for a certain period.
• “Do time”: Informal expression meaning to serve a prison sentence.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Conditions inside the old city jail were deplorable.”
• Verb: “The judge decided not to jail the first-time offender but instead ordered community service.”

Synonyms

• Prison
• Gaol (UK)
• Detention center
• Penitentiary
• Correctional facility
• Lockup
• Behind bars