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)

[ Syn: jail , jailhouse , clink , slammer , poky , pokey ]

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

[ Syn: imprison , incarcerate , lag , immure , put behind bars , jail , jug , put away , remand ]