jail
/dʒeɪl/
NOUN
1. A place where people are held in legal custody
A prison or detention facility where people are confined, especially those awaiting trial or serving sentences for less serious offenses.
1.1. Prisons and correctional facilities
Institutions or buildings where people are held under legal authority.
Synonyms
- prison
- penitentiary
- lockup
- jailhouse
- gaol
- pen
- penal institution
- correctional institution
- house of correction
- reformatory
- workhouse
- detention house
- bridewell
Examples
- The suspect was taken to jail after being arrested.
- The overcrowded jail needs better facilities for its inmates.
Related Words
- prisoner
- inmate
- convict
- warden
- jailer
- detention
- incarceration
- confinement
- custody
- correctional facility
1.2. Informal and slang terms for jail
Colloquial, regional, or slang expressions referring to a prison or place of confinement.
Synonyms
- slammer
- clink
- stir
- jug
- can
- cooler
- joint
- big house
- calaboose
- hoosegow
- pokey
- quod
- nick
- inside
- bullpen
- brig
- dungeon
- stockade
- tolbooth
Examples
- He spent three months in the slammer for the offense.
- The old novel describes life inside the clink.
Related Words
- slang
- prison cell
- lockup
- incarceration
- doing time
- behind bars
1.3. Confinement and detention
The state or condition of being held in a jail or other place of legal custody.
Synonyms
- imprisonment
- incarceration
- confinement
- detention
- custody
Antonyms
- freedom
- liberty
- release
- liberation
Examples
- The defendant faced six months in jail for the offense.
- His time in jail changed his perspective on freedom.
Related Words
- captivity
- restraint
- imprisonment
- detainment
- sentence
- prison term
VERB
2. To put someone in prison
To take someone into legal custody and confine them in a jail or prison.
2.1. Imprisoning and incarcerating someone
To place a person in prison as a result of a legal decision or punishment.
Synonyms
- imprison
- incarcerate
- confine
- lock up
- put behind bars
- put away
- commit
- immure
- intern
- send to prison
- send down
Antonyms
Examples
- The court decided to jail the offender for five years.
- Authorities jailed several people involved in the robbery.
Related Words
- imprisonment
- incarceration
- prisoner
- convict
- sentence
- detention
- custody
- confinement
2.2. Arresting and taking someone into custody
To seize or apprehend someone and place them under legal detention.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The police jailed the suspect after questioning him.
- Officers apprehended and detained the man for further investigation.
Related Words
- arrest
- apprehension
- police
- law enforcement
- custody
- detention
- suspect
- investigation
2.3. Restraining or restricting someone's freedom
To confine, restrain, or prevent someone from moving freely.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The unjust law seemed to jail people for expressing their opinions.
- The guards shackled the prisoners to prevent them from escaping.