Penal Colony

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈpiːnəl ˈkɑləni/

Definitions of penal colony

noun a colony where prisoners are exiled or incarcerated

Example Sentences

A1 A penal colony is a place where prisoners are sent to serve their sentences.

A2 The penal colony was located on a remote island, making escape nearly impossible.

B1 The government established a penal colony in the early 19th century to deal with overcrowded prisons.

B2 Living conditions in the penal colony were harsh and unforgiving, leading to many prisoners attempting to escape.

C1 The history of the penal colony revealed a dark chapter in the country's past, with stories of abuse and mistreatment.

C2 The penal colony was eventually shut down after years of public outcry and pressure from human rights organizations.

Examples of penal colony in a Sentence

formal The penal colony was established on the remote island to house prisoners far away from society.

informal I heard they're sending him to a penal colony for his crimes.

slang He's headed to the slammer, aka the penal colony.

figurative Being stuck in this dead-end job feels like living in a penal colony.

Grammatical Forms of penal colony

plural

penal colonies

comparative

more penal colony

superlative

most penal colony

present tense

penal colony

future tense

will be penal colony

perfect tense

has been penal colony

continuous tense

is being penal colony

singular

penal colony

positive degree

penal colony

infinitive

to penal colony

gerund

penal colonizing

participle

penal colonized

Origin and Evolution of penal colony

First Known Use: 0018 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The concept of penal colonies dates back to ancient times, where societies would exile criminals and prisoners to distant lands as a form of punishment and isolation.
Evolution of the word: The term 'penal colony' became widely used in the 18th century during the era of European colonization, particularly by the British Empire and later by other colonial powers. It referred to colonies established for the purpose of housing and reforming convicts and prisoners, often in remote locations far from the mainland.