incarceration
UK: ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃn | US: ɪnˌkɑːrsəˈreɪʃn
n. the state of being confined in prison; imprisonment
The word "incarceration" derives from Latin incarcerare, combining in- (meaning "in") and carcer (meaning "prison"). The root carcer evolved into Old French carcere and later Middle English prisoun, though the Latin form persisted in legal and formal contexts. The suffix -ation nominalizes the verb, turning "to imprison" into "the act or state of imprisonment." The word reflects a direct lineage from Latin, retaining its original morphemic structure.
His incarceration lasted ten years before he was finally exonerated.
The documentary highlighted the psychological effects of long-term incarceration.
Activists protested against the mass incarceration of nonviolent offenders.
The judge ruled against his incarceration due to lack of evidence.
Rehabilitation programs aim to reduce recidivism after incarceration.