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.

“By virtue of its power, it has kept me behind bars for five years, and they could extend my confinement without justification.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

The money, in their view, not only has to make up for mounting legal fees, but lost income, tainted reputations, fractured families, and years spent behind bars.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

If that case is the benchmark - with around a month in jail for every £1,000 embezzled - then Murrell could be behind bars for a very long time.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The 86-year-old disbarred lawyer, once the most prominent trial attorney in California, will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of wire fraud last year.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

“We owe you, Jake. Both of the Shaffer brothers are now behind bars for that bank robbery in California thanks to your brilliant work.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein