gaol

Pronunciation: /d͡ʒeɪl/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun 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)
  2. verb lock up or confine, in or as in a jail

Etymology

From Middle English gayole, gaiol, gaylle, gaille, gayle, gaile, via Old French gaiole, gayolle, gaole, from Medieval Latin gabiola, for Late Latin caveola, a diminutive of Latin cavea (“cavity, coop, cage”). See also cage.

In classic literature

Synonyms

jail, jailhouse, clink, slammer, poky, pokey

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
correctional institution
Narrower (hyponyms)
bastille, holding cell, hoosegow, lockup, house of correction, workhouse

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