Inmate
/ˈɪnmeɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital, usually against their will.
/ˈɪnmeɪt/
A person confined to an institution, especially a prisoner.
The inmates of the overcrowded prison staged a protest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and someone got sent to 'jail.' An inmate is the person stuck in jail in that game, but in real life it's someone in prison.
👶 For kids: Someone who lives in a prison or a hospital.
More Examples
The facility provides rehabilitation programs for its inmates.
The inmate was granted parole after good behavior.
How It's Used
"The inmate was released after serving ten years."
"Authorities are investigating a riot involving several inmates."
A person who lives at an institution. This can be an asylum, mental hospital or a care facility. Not limited to prison.
/ˈɪnmeɪt/
A resident of an institution, like a mental hospital.
The hospital staff worked to ensure the well-being of its inmates.
💡 Simply: If someone is living in a hospital for a long time, they could be called an inmate too. It's like they're 'in' that place as a resident.
👶 For kids: Someone who lives in a hospital for a long time.
More Examples
The mental health facility provides care to its inmates.
Rehabilitation programs are available for the inmates.
How It's Used
"The mental health facility provides care to its inmates."
Idioms & expressions
inmate population
The total number of inmates in a given institution or system (e.g., a prison).
"The state's inmate population has increased significantly over the past decade."
From Middle English *inmete*, equivalent to 'in' + 'mate', meaning 'one who is in (a place)'. Initially used for someone living in a house with others, but later narrowed to those confined, such as in a prison.
The word 'inmate' historically referred to any resident of a building, but over time became more strongly associated with those confined, particularly in institutions such as prisons.
Memory tip
Think IN-mate, someone living IN a place, often against their will.
Word Origin
"one who is in (a place)"