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

Whatever the voters’ reasons, forcing incarcerated individuals to do work against their will is immoral and does no one any good — neither prisoners nor those in the outside world to which most will return.

From Los Angeles Times

The rest of the new allegations relate to three other incarcerated men from L.A. whose families paid between $11,500 and $21,700 for fruitless legal services.

From Los Angeles Times

The victims of the alleged identity theft included incarcerated Californians and U.S. citizens who did not reside within California, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, prison officials announced plans to nearly double most hourly wages for incarcerated workers.

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

Related Words

• confine
• detain
• imprison
• jail
• lock up