B1verbformal10K+

Incarcerate

UK /["/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪts/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪd/","/ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

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

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

Examples

  • Thousands were incarcerated in labour camps.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • imprison
  • detain
  • confine
  • sequester
  • hold

Antonyms

  • release
  • free
  • liberate

Common mistakes

  • 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.