Pronunciation: /pɛnɪˈtɛnʃəri/
noun a prison for people convicted of serious crimes, typically longer-term sentences
A1 The penitentiary is where criminals are sent to serve their sentences.
A2 He was released from the penitentiary after serving five years for his crime.
B1 The penitentiary system aims to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce recidivism.
B2 The conditions in the penitentiary were harsh and overcrowded.
C1 The penitentiary was under investigation for allegations of abuse and corruption.
C2 She spent years studying the history and reform of penitentiaries around the world.
adjective relating to or used for punishment and reform of criminals
A1 The old building looked like a penitentiary.
A2 The penitentiary system in this country is undergoing reforms.
B1 He spent several years in a penitentiary for his crimes.
B2 The penitentiary facilities were overcrowded and in need of renovation.
C1 The penitentiary staff were trained to handle various types of inmates.
C2 The documentary explored the history of the penitentiary system in the United States.
formal He was sentenced to serve time in the penitentiary for his crimes.
informal They sent him to the penitentiary for a few years.
slang He got locked up in the penitentiary for a while.
figurative Being trapped in his own guilt was like being in a mental penitentiary.
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