Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for incarcerate. Search instead for incarcerateds.
Synonyms

incarcerate

American  
[in-kahr-suh-reyt, in-kahr-ser-it, -suh-reyt] / ɪnˈkɑr səˌreɪt, ɪnˈkɑr sər ɪt, -səˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

incarcerated, incarcerating
  1. to imprison; confine.

    Synonyms:
    intern, immure, jail
  2. to enclose; constrict closely.


adjective

  1. imprisoned.

incarcerate British  
/ ɪnˈkɑːsəˌreɪt /

verb

  1. (tr) to confine or imprison

"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

Other Word Forms

  • incarceration noun
  • incarcerative adjective
  • incarcerator noun
  • unincarcerated adjective

Etymology

Origin of incarcerate

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin incarcerātus, past participle of incarcerāre “to imprison,” equivalent to in- “in” + carcer “prison” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- 2, -ate 1

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.

All three of the audited facilities house individuals who are either incarcerated or institutionalized because they were deemed by the courts to be dangerous or unfit to stand trial.

From Los Angeles Times

“It also includes many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state or local law enforcement partners.”

From Los Angeles Times

Disciplinary infractions remain part of an incarcerated individual’s permanent record and affect their chances of parole or resentencing.

From Los Angeles Times

Especially moving is his oversize reproduction of a Polaroid sent from an incarcerated relative, the white strip at the bottom of the photo inscribed with a message sending love and affection to his little brothers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mangione, incarcerated in a federal jail in Brooklyn and flooded with mail, has tracked the letters he has received from supporters.

From The Wall Street Journal