inmate
IN-mayt
/ˈɪnmeɪt/
A person serving a sentence in a prison or residing in a mental hospital or institution.
Refers to a resident of a restricted institution, most commonly a prison.
The story behind the word. Coined in 16th-century English from 'in' and 'mate' (companion/peer). It originally meant any co-tenant living in another person's home, often with a negative connotation of overcrowding. By the 18th century, its meaning shifted specifically to residents of hospitals, asylums, and prisons.
Word relationships
- prisoner: 'Prisoner' implies captivity; 'inmate' emphasizes living inside an institutional facility.
- convict: 'Convict' emphasizes guilt of a crime, while 'inmate' focuses on residence in the institution.
- citizen: A free resident of a state or country.
Commonly confused with
- housemate: Housemate is a voluntary peer in private living; inmate is confined in an institution.
Collocations
- prison inmate
- fellow inmate
- inmate population
Example sentences
- "The inmate was transferred to a maximum-security facility following a fight." News Reporting
- "Every inmate is entitled to one hour of outdoor exercise per day." Prison Policy
Memory hook
IN + MATE -> A mate/companion stuck IN an institution. Companion living INSIDE.
When not to use
Do not use for general roomates or housemates living in standard private housing.
Fun facts
- In 1500s London, an 'inmate' was simply a lodger or subtenant, often restricted by law because cities feared overpopulation.
Related words
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