incarcerate

[ verb in-kahr-suh-reyt; adjective in-kahr-ser-it, -suh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·car·cer·at·ed, in·car·cer·at·ing.

1. to imprison; confine.

   Synonyms: intern, immure, jail

2. to enclose; constrict closely.

adjective

1. imprisoned.

incarcerate

/ ɪnˈkɑːsəˌreɪt /

verb

1. tr to confine or imprison

Derived Forms

• inˈcarcerˌator, noun
• inˌcarcerˈation, noun

Other Words From

• in·car·cer·a·tion [in-kahr-s, uh, -, rey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• in·car·cer·a·tive adjective
• in·car·cer·a·tor noun
• un·in·car·cer·at·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incarcerate¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin incarcerātus, past participle of incarcerāre “to imprison,” equivalent to in- “in” + carcer “prison” + -ātus past participle suffix; in- ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of incarcerate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin incarcerāre, from Latin in- ² + carcer prison

Example Sentences

“We’re already spending tens of thousands of dollars to incarcerate somebody, I mean it’s astronomical,” Schulter said.

From Los Angeles Times

But he would probably argue in federal court that a state can’t pursue a criminal case against — much less incarcerate — a sitting president.

From Los Angeles Times

And there has recently been a resurgence of politicians in America who seem perfectly willing to “incarcerate people and put them away based on some identity, a religion, a faith, a culture,” Kwong said.

From Los Angeles Times

This month, the governor escalated his battle against Amendment 4 by demanding the removal of pro-choice ads from the airwaves and threatening to prosecute and incarcerate the media for carrying them.

From Slate

Newsom and other top Democrats in California have repeatedly urged voters to reject Proposition 36, which they say will disproportionately incarcerate Blacks and Latinos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confine
• detain
• imprison
• jail
• lock up