Incarcerate

Verb

Definition: To imprison or confine someone in a jail or prison.

Synonyms: Imprison, Lock up, Detain, Confine

Antonyms: Release, Free, Liberate

Examples:

The judge decided to incarcerate the criminal for ten years.
The authorities routinely incarcerate individuals who violate the law.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a jail cell as a "carcer" where people are incarcerated.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "incarcerate" comes from the Latin word "incarceratus" which means "imprisoned." The Latin root "carcer" means "prison" or "enclosure."

Historical Usage:

The term has been in use since the early 17th century, primarily referring to the act of imprisoning or confining individuals.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Incarcerate someone's freedom"

Explanation:

This phrase implies that someone's liberty or freedom is taken away by imprisoning or confining them.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming "incarcerate" only refers to imprisonment in a physical jail or prison.

Explanation:

While the most common usage of "incarcerate" refers to confining someone in a jail or prison, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the feeling of being trapped or confined in other circumstances.