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Definitions

jail

[jeyl] / dʒeɪl /
NOUN
place for incarceration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cell lockup penitentiary prison
STRONG
bastille brig bullpen can clink cooler dungeon inside jailhouse joint pen pound rack reformatory slammer solitary stir stockade
WEAK
black hole detention camp house of correction penal institution up the river
VERB
incarcerate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
confine detain hold imprison lock up sentence take away
STRONG
bastille book cage can constrain immure impound prison railroad
WEAK
put away put behind bars put on ice send up throw away the keys throw in dungeon throw the book at
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free let go liberate release

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.

He was ordered to return to court on September 15 and remains in jail in the meantime.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

However, he said he wanted more information before deciding how long she will spend in jail before she can apply for parole.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Nick Reiner appeared wearing a yellow jail jumper with his hair cut short.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

The public nuisance offence carries a jail term of up to three months and a fine.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

From her jail room window, Roz watched as the ocean trembled with each blast.

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown