jail jail /ˈdʒeɪl/

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)  ( clink [Informal] , gaol [British] , jailhouse , jail , pokey [Informal] , poky [Informal] , slammer [Informal] , calaboose [Informal, American, Australian] )
   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)
    The criminal was sent to jail for a five-year sentence.
   The criminal was sent to jail for a five-year sentence.
   
   

verb

1. () (law) lock up or confine, in or as in a jail  ( gaol [British] , immure , incarcerate , jail , jug [Informal, N. American] , lag , put away , put behind bars , remand , imprison )
   (law) lock up or confine, in or as in a jail
    The suspects were imprisoned without trial
   The suspects were imprisoned without trial
    The murderer was incarcerated for the rest of his life
   the murderer was incarcerated for the rest of his life