Cool MateIncarceration
UK /["/ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃn/"]/US /["/ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃn/"]/
Definition
the act of putting somebody in prison or in another place from which they cannot escape; the state of being there
In simple words: Being put in prison or jail.
Examples
- There have been angry protests about his arrest and incarceration.
Usage notes
Used in legal contexts and serious discussions about crime and punishment. Not appropriate in casual conversation.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'in a car' — imagine someone being locked inside a car, like being locked in prison.
Collocations
- mass incarceration
- incarceration rates
- long-term incarceration
- incarceration policy
Synonyms
- imprisonment
Antonyms
- freedom
- liberation
- release
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'incarcerate' which is the verb form.
- Mistakenly spelled as 'incarcaration'.
- Used in informal contexts where 'jail time' would be more appropriate.