Definitions

behind bars

VERB

serving jail time

Synonyms

WEAK

confined imprisoned in jail in prison incarcerated jailed put away serving time under lock and key

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.

She said she felt "numb and shocked" when the letters started appearing and that he was still trying to "manipulate" her from behind bars.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

It was while behind bars that Traci says she felt a calling to set up a construction company on her release.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Kornev’s tragedy is that, while he may not be behind bars, he can’t see the prison he’s trapped in.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

He spent more than a year behind bars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Thorarinsson said that Fischer, locked behind bars, reminded him of Hamlet, and then he quoted a line from Shakespeare’s play:

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady