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incarcerate

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "incarcerate": To incarcerate is to put someone in prison or to hold them in a confined space against their will. T

What does "incarcerate" mean?

To incarcerate is to put someone in prison or to hold them in a confined space against their will. The mental image is of heavy iron bars, stone walls, and the complete loss of freedom, emphasizing the legal or official nature of the confinement. This word is almost exclusively used in formal, legal, or journalistic contexts. Unlike the common word "jail" or "imprison," which can be used casually, "incarcerate" carries a clinical, detached tone often found in court reports or academic discussions about the criminal justice system.

"incarcerate" in conversation

Legal briefing

The state intends to incarcerate the defendant for a minimum of ten years.

The state intends to incarcerate the defendant for a minimum of ten years.

Is the facility prepared for the transfer?

Is the facility prepared for the transfer?

Used here to describe a formal sentencing process.

Political debate

Does your platform support the incarceration of non-violent offenders?

Does your platform support the incarceration of non-violent offenders?

We need to rethink how we incarcerate people for minor infractions.

We need to rethink how we incarcerate people for minor infractions.

Shows the noun form 'incarceration' commonly used in policy discussions.

"incarcerate" in a sentence

  1. The judge decided to incarcerate the thief immediately.

    The judge decided to incarcerate the thief immediately.

  2. Many argue that we incarcerate far too many citizens for non-violent crimes.

    Many argue that we incarcerate far too many citizens for non-violent crimes.

  3. The totalitarian regime sought to incarcerate all political dissenters to maintain absolute control.

    The totalitarian regime sought to incarcerate all political dissenters to maintain absolute control.

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