C1noun2K

Bail

UK /["/beɪl/"]/US /["/beɪl/"]/

Definition

money that somebody agrees to pay if a person accused of a crime does not appear at their trial. When bail has been arranged, the accused person is allowed to go free until the trial.

In simple words: To leave quickly or to help someone leave jail by paying money.

Examples

  • The defendant was released on bail until the trial date.
  • The judge set the bail amount at fifty thousand dollars.
  • She had to bail out her friend from jail after he was arrested.
  • He decided to bail from the party early because he was feeling tired.
  • The company offered to bail out the struggling startup with a significant investment.

Usage notes

Use 'bail' in a legal context when talking about releasing someone from jail. You might also use it informally to mean leaving a situation abruptly. Avoid using it in formal writing when discussing serious topics.

Grammar pattern

bail + object

Memory hint

Think of 'bail' as 'to bail water out of a sinking boat' – you're helping someone escape.

Collocations

  • conditional
  • unconditional
  • police
  • apply for
  • allow somebody
  • give somebody
  • application
  • hearing
  • bond
  • on bail
  • without bail
  • an application for bail

Synonyms

  • release
  • bail out
  • rescue
  • free

Antonyms

  • detain
  • hold
  • imprison

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'bale' (a bundle of hay).
  • Using 'bail' as a noun without proper context.
  • Misunderstanding 'bail out' as just leaving.