jail meaning and definition

JAIL noun

Definition of jail (noun)

1. a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
   • synonyms: clink, gaol, jailhouse, pokey, poky, slammer

JAIL verb

Definition of jail (verb)

1. lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
   • "The suspects were imprisoned without trial"; "the murderer was incarcerated for the rest of his life"
   • synonyms: gaol, immure, imprison, incarcerate, jug, lag, put away, put behind bars, remand