Gaol

Gaol

A gaol (often spelled “jail” in modern usage) is a facility where individuals are held in custody, typically before their trial or after being convicted of a crime. The term gaol is of British origin, and while it’s still used in some countries, in many places, the word “jail” has become more common. Gaols were historically designed as places of detention for those accused of crimes, and they often had minimal facilities. In earlier times, gaols were overcrowded and sometimes located in poor conditions, lacking the security measures and rehabilitation programs found in modern correctional facilities. Today, gaols are part of the broader criminal justice system, serving to temporarily house individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The word gaol also has historical significance, often evoking the conditions of medieval or early-modern detention. Gaols were sometimes located in town centers, symbolizing the authority of the ruling powers. In more contemporary contexts, gaol is used in legal and historical discussions, but “jail” or “prison” is more common for day-to-day use.

Here are 10 sentences using the word “gaol”:

  • The criminal was sentenced to serve time in a gaol for his theft.
  • In the past, many towns had a small gaol where offenders were held before trial.
  • The infamous gaol was known for its harsh conditions and overcrowding.
  • After being caught, he was taken straight to the gaol to await his trial.
  • The gaol had iron bars on the windows and little light or ventilation.
  • Prisoners in the gaol were often subjected to long hours of isolation as punishment.
  • The historical gaol was once a symbol of the ruling monarch’s power and control.
  • She spent a week in the gaol before her case was reviewed and she was released on bail.
  • The gaol was surrounded by high walls, making escape nearly impossible.
  • They found an old gaol while excavating the ancient city, revealing its past use for imprisonment.

Synonyms for “Gaol”:

  • Jail
  • Prison
  • Detention center
  • Correctional facility
  • Lockup
  • Penitentiary
  • Detention house
  • Penal institution
  • Holding cell
  • Cells

Antonyms for “Gaol”:

  • Freedom
  • Liberty
  • Release
  • Exemption
  • Independence
  • Open space
  • Unrestrained movement

Related words:

  • Inmate
  • Prisoner
  • Conviction
  • Sentence
  • Cell
  • Warden
  • Guard
  • Prison system
  • Bail
  • Trial

Phrasal verbs:

  • Throw in gaol (to imprison someone, often used informally)
  • Break out of gaol (to escape from prison or jail)
  • Send to gaol (to imprison someone, typically as a punishment)
  • Put in gaol (to detain someone in jail)

Idiomatic expressions:

  • Behind bars (meaning in jail or imprisoned)
  • In the slammer (slang for jail)
  • Locked up (refers to being in prison or jail)
  • Do time (to serve a prison sentence)
  • Break out of gaol (to escape from jail or prison)
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x