VocabDictionary

incarceration

/ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃən/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.

Example Sentences:
  • The convicted criminal faced a mandatory sentence of incarceration for ten years.
  • Reform advocates are working to reduce the rates of mass incarceration in the country.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “incarceration” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “incarceration”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Late Latin word 'incarcerat-', meaning 'imprisoned', from the verb 'incarcerare', which comes from 'in-' (into) plus 'carcer' (prison or enclosed space). Its usage in English dates back to the early 17th century.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'in-car-ceration': being forced to stay 'in a car' forever, like a mobile prison.

Frequently Asked Questions About “incarceration

1. What is the meaning of “incarceration” in English?

In English, incarceration (noun) is defined as: “The state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.”.

2. How do you use “incarceration” in a sentence?

The convicted criminal faced a mandatory sentence of incarceration for ten years.

3. What are English synonyms of “incarceration”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “incarceration”?

Derived from the Late Latin word 'incarcerat-', meaning 'imprisoned', from the verb 'incarcerare', which comes from 'in-' (into) plus 'carcer' (prison or enclosed space). Its usage in English dates back to the early 17th century.