carceral

American  

[kahr-suh-ruhl] / ˈkɑr sə rəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to prison or imprisonment, or to other formal methods of social control.

   This book is a blueprint for policymakers to reform practices and for concerned citizens to understand our changing carceral landscape.

   Critics claim that these policies could result in an expanding carceral state.

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Etymology

Origin of carceral

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin carcerālis, equivalent to carcer “prison” + -ālis -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carceral

Can you tell me more about how integrated the concentration camp system is with the “normal,” “non-emergency” parts of the carceral state?

From Salon ● Jan. 26, 2026

You've also talked a lot about carceral societies and a wide variety of carceral situations.

From Salon ● May 8, 2025

I have little faith in our carceral system’s ability to correct the wrongs here.

From Slate ● Dec. 12, 2024

And there are unique risks in a carceral setting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 12, 2024

I reflected on how mass imprisonment has littered the national landscape with carceral monuments of reckless and excessive punishment and ravaged communities with our hopeless willingness to condemn and discard the most vulnerable among us.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson