WorldAugust 28, 2026

carceral

KAR-suh-ruhl

Definition

Relating to jails, prisons, or the system of incarceration.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'carcer,' meaning a prison or jail, which entered English via French to describe anything pertaining to confinement.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the Maryland legal system, highlighting the state's efforts to move away from an approach that relies heavily on imprisonment for youth offenders.

Maryland misused funds supporting 'justice-involved' youth: DOJ

Read the full article ↗

Washington Examiner

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