What does incarcerated mean Meaning and Definition
What does incarcerated mean
Pronunciation
/ɪ̃ˈkærɪd/
Part of Speech
Verb/Adjective
Definition
- Verb
-
To confine or imprison someone or something in a building, usually for punishment or because of a crime.
- Adjective
-
Confined within prison walls.
Examples
- The prisoner was incarcerated for five years for the crime.
- She has been incarcerated in her home for months, unable to leave.
Synonyms
- Imprisoned
- Confined
Antonyms
- Released
- Free
Etymology
The word incarcerated comes from the Latin words in (meaning ‘within’) and carcer (meaning ‘prison’).
Usage Notes
When using the word incarcerated, note that the verb typically refers to the act of confining someone, while the adjective describes the state of being confined.
Cultural References
The word incarcerated has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. One notable example is the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, where the protagonist is incarcerated in prison.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Behind bars
- Behind prison walls
Related Words or Phrases
- Convict
- Jail
- Prisoner
Collocations
- Incarcerated for a crime
- Being incarcerated
Frequency of Use
The word incarcerated has become increasingly relevant in modern language due to rising crime rates and discussions about the effectiveness of the prison system.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word incarcerated include incarcerated, enkarshuned, and inkarcerated.
Additional Information
Being incarcerated can have severe consequences on a person’s mental and physical health. According to some estimates, approximately 60% of prisoners will experience some form of mental illness during their time in prison. The living conditions within prison walls can be harsh and often lack sufficient resources.
In addition to the physical and emotional toll, being incarcerated can also impact a person’s ability to reintegrate into society upon release. Studies have shown that prisoners who receive adequate support and resources during their sentence experience improved outcomes upon release.
The issue of mass incarceration continues to be a pressing concern in many countries. Debates surrounding prison reform and rehabilitation programs have sparked discussions about the purposes of imprisonment, the need for affordable housing, and the fairness of the justice system.