Correctional
kəˈrekʃənəl
Definitions
Relating to the system of prisons and other institutions that are responsible for punishing and rehabilitating people who have committed crimes.
kəˈrekʃənəl
Relating to or intended for the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.
The government invested in improved correctional facilities.
💡 Simply: It's like a place, like a jail or a program, that's meant to help people who've done something wrong to become good again. Imagine if your school had a 'correctional classroom' to help kids who broke rules learn to follow them.
👶 For kids: It means something is about fixing people who did something bad so they can learn to be good.
More Examples
The prisoner was transferred to a correctional institution.
She worked as a counselor in a correctional setting.
How It's Used
"The correctional system is responsible for managing prisons and other facilities."
"Researchers study the effectiveness of correctional programs in reducing recidivism."
From Middle English *correctiounal*, from Latin *correction-, correctio* ("a correction").
The term has been used since the 17th century to describe things relating to correction and improvement, but its modern, institutionalized meaning is more recent, reflecting developments in criminal justice.
Memory tip
Think of 'correcting' behavior – correctional facilities aim to do this.
Word Origin
"to correct, to set right"