B1verb formal 10K+

Incarcerate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Incarcerate

to put somebody in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape

In simple words: To put someone in jail or prison.

Incarcerate in a sentence

• Thousands were incarcerated in labour camps.

How to use Incarcerate

Use 'incarcerate' in legal or serious contexts. It's not appropriate for casual conversation. Instead of saying 'He was incarcerated', you might say 'He went to jail' in informal settings.

Grammar pattern

incarcerate + object

Memory hint

Think 'in-car-certain' — imagine someone locked in a car and can't get out.

Related words

Collocations with Incarcerate

• incarcerate a suspect
• incarcerate for a crime
• incarcerate in prison

Synonyms for Incarcerate

• imprison
• detain
• confine
• sequester
• hold

Opposites of Incarcerate

• release
• free
• liberate

Common mistakes with Incarcerate

• Confusing with 'incarceration', which is the noun form.
• Using in informal contexts, like conversations with friends.
• Incorrectly conjugating the verb, such as 'incarcerated' when needing to use the present tense.

Frequently asked questions about Incarcerate

What does Incarcerate mean?

To put someone in jail or prison.

What is the definition of Incarcerate?

to put somebody in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape

How do you use Incarcerate in a sentence?

Thousands were incarcerated in labour camps.

What are synonyms for Incarcerate?

Common alternatives include imprison, detain, confine, sequester, hold.

What is the opposite of Incarcerate?

Opposite meanings include release, free, liberate.

What words go with Incarcerate?

It commonly pairs with incarcerate a suspect, incarcerate for a crime, incarcerate in prison.

What are common mistakes when using Incarcerate?

Confusing with 'incarceration', which is the noun form. Using in informal contexts, like conversations with friends. Incorrectly conjugating the verb, such as 'incarcerated' when needing to use the present tense.

How do you pronounce Incarcerate?

US: /["/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Incarcerate formal or informal?

"Incarcerate" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Incarcerate?

Use 'incarcerate' in legal or serious contexts. It's not appropriate for casual conversation. Instead of saying 'He was incarcerated', you might say 'He went to jail' in informal settings.

What CEFR level is Incarcerate?

"Incarcerate" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.