Jail

Definition

A place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒeɪl/
• Respelling: JAYL (with "JAYL" as in "sail")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dʒeɪl/
• Respelling: JAYL (with "JAYL" as in "sail")

In both dialects, "jail" places the primary stress on the entire word, "JAYL." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "JAYL."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "jaiole" (also "gayole"), from Old French "jaiole" (modern "geôle"), from Medieval Latin "gabiola", diminutive of Latin "cavea" meaning 'cage'.

Derivatives

• Jailer (noun)
• Jailed (verb, past tense)
• Jailing (verb, present participle)
• Jailhouse (noun)
• Unjail (verb)

Synonyms

• Prison
• Penitentiary
• Lockup

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Liberty
• Release

Usage

Jails are used to detain individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. They play a critical role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that individuals accused or convicted of crimes are held securely.

Related Terms

• Incarceration
• Convict
• Cell
• Confinement
• Detention

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Jail (Noun): A place for the confinement of people accused or convicted of a crime.
  • Example: "He was taken to jail for theft."

Verb

• Jail (Verb): To imprison or confine someone in jail.
  • Example: "Police will jail anyone who breaks the law."

In summary, "jail" serves as both a noun and a verb, referring to a facility for detaining individuals accused or convicted of crimes and the act of imprisoning someone, respectively.