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Synonyms

inmate

American  
[in-meyt] / ˈɪnˌmeɪt /

noun

  1. a person who is confined in a prison, hospital, etc.

  2. Archaic. a person who dwells with others in the same house.


inmate British  
/ ˈɪnˌmeɪt /

noun

  1. a person who is confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital See also resident

  2. obsolete a person who lives with others in a house

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of inmate

First recorded in 1580–90; in- 1 + mate 1

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Alouette’s attempts to reclaim her work result in her consignment to Salpetrière, a much-dreaded place for the mentally afflicted, where the cruel guards may or may not be saner than the inmates.

From Los Angeles Times

Scottish Prison Service policy says inmates are assessed on an individual basis, with rules based on whether they could pose a risk to female prisoners.

From BBC

He has hired farmers, former inmates and white-collar workers who grew tired of office life.

From The Wall Street Journal

AFP met Eric, from Togo, on the stairs while he was chatting -- in stuttering Russian -- with a Nigerian and Chinese inmate.

From Barron's

He said he had paperwork "signed by a judge" to authorise the release of an inmate.

From BBC