Definitions

1. noun

A place where people are kept in custody, typically for having committed a crime, or a building used for this purpose.

“The prisoner was sent to jail for three years for theft.”

2. verb

To put or keep someone in a place of confinement, especially as a form of punishment.

“The judge jailed the defendant for contempt of court.”

3. verb

To confine or restrict someone or something, especially as a form of punishment or discipline.

“The manager tried to jail the company’s expenses by reducing overhead costs.”

4. verb

To confine or restrict someone or something, often figuratively.

“The disease has been jail-ing people in their homes for months.”