Synonyms for

Incarceration

Verb / ˌɪˌnkɑ:rsɜ:ˈeɪʃʌn / Another word for incarceration — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of putting someone in prison.

Synonyms & similar words

immurement captivity imprisonment imprisonment detention confinement custody jailing internment restraint lockup captivity hold immurement quod gaol clink penitentiary inmate prison jailhouse

Synonyms by register

Formal

imprisonment confinement detention custody

Informal

jail time doing time behind bars

Literary

penal servitude bondage

Antonyms

freedom liberty release emancipation exemption unfetteredness

Common collocations

  • lengthy incarceration
  • length of incarceration
  • pre-trial incarceration
  • post-conviction incarceration
  • prolonged incarceration
  • incarceration rates
  • incarceration period

Word family

noun incarceration
verb incarcerate
adjective incarcerated

Usage note

Incarceration refers specifically to being confined in a prison or jail as a punishment for a crime. It is a formal term and should not be confused with general confinement or detention for other reasons.

Example sentences

  1. The judge handed down a sentence of ten years' incarceration.
  2. Incarceration is a punishment for committing a crime.
  3. He was released from incarceration after serving five years in prison.
  4. The inmate struggled to adjust to life outside of incarceration.
  5. Incarceration can have a negative impact on a person's mental health.

Quotes

  • The degree of civilization in a society can be judged by entering its prisons. –Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Prison is a second-by-second assault on the soul, a day-to-day degradation of the self. –Mumia Abu-Jamal
  • Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes. –Mahatma Gandhi

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