Inmate

Definition

A person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/
• Respelling: IN-mayt (with "IN" as in "tin" and "mayt" as in "mate")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/
• Respelling: IN-mayt (with "IN" as in "tin" and "mayt" as in "mate")

In both dialects, "inmate" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IN-mayt."

Etymology

The term "inmate" originates from the word "mate", meaning "companion" or "peer", with the prefix "in-" denoting "inside" or "within". Historically, it referred to someone who shared a dwelling or living space, but over time its meaning shifted towards its current usage.

Derivatives

• Incarceration (noun)
• Incarcerate (verb)
• Imprisonment (noun)
• Detention (noun)
• Confinee (noun)

Synonyms

• Prisoner
• Convict
• Detainee

Antonyms

• Guard
• Warden
• Free man/woman

Usage

"Inmate" is commonly used in legal, correctional, and healthcare contexts to refer to individuals confined within an institution.

Related Terms

• Incarceration
• Penitentiary
• Cellmate
• Rehabilitation
• Custody

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Inmate (Noun, Prison): A person confined to a prison or correctional facility.
  • Example: "The inmates in the prison were allowed an hour of outdoor exercise each day."

• Inmate (Noun, Hospital/Asylum): A person residing in a hospital, especially a psychiatric hospital, or an asylum.
  • Example: "The asylum housed many inmates who were receiving long-term care for mental health conditions."

• Inmate (Noun, Historical): An individual who shares a residence with others, often used in a historical context.
  • Example: "In the 18th century, the term 'inmate' was used to describe someone who lived in a boarding house."

Note: The term "inmate" is most commonly associated with prisons, but can also refer to residents of other institutional settings.