incarcerated

adjective

in·​car·​cer·​at·​ed in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrā-təd 

1

: confined in a jail or prison

Michigan law allows convicted felons to vote and run for office unless they are currently incarcerated, or if their offenses are fraud-related or constitute a breach of public trust.

—The Hartford (Connecticut) Courant

… whatever was needed for her programs combating domestic violence and aiding incarcerated women, ex-offenders, and their children.

—Peter Steinfels

Comparing the responses of incarcerated boys with nondelinquent adolescents, Scarpitti (1980) describes the three most probable identity resolutions …

—Judith Steven-Long et al.

2

medical, of a hernia : constricted but not strangulated

Within the incarcerated, herniated gastric cardia, there was an acute, benign gastric ulcer.

—Gregory J. Gallivan

Synonyms of incarcerated

• imprisoned
• arrested
• captive
• jailed

Examples of incarcerated in a Sentence

incarcerated residents of that state are still allowed to vote in elections

Recent Examples on the Web

The death of an incarcerated individual is traumatic for all involved. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Sixteen incarcerated people were hospitalized, including one who was transported by helicopter, after lightning struck at a prison complex southwest of Cleveland, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections. — Laura Bargfeld, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026

Temporary relief from the pain of separation For many incarcerated people, separation from family and friends is one of the most painful aspects of life behind bars. — Jillian Turanovic, The Conversation, 10 Aug. 2026

Research studies have shown that children of incarcerated parents are more likely to experience mental health challenges and develop antisocial behaviors. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for incarcerated

• abbreviated
• accelerated
• accentuated
• accommodated
• acculturated
• accumulated
• acidulated
• adjudicated
• administrated
• adulterated
• affiliated
• agglomerated

Medical Definition

incarcerated

adjective

in·​car·​cer·​at·​ed in-ˈkär-sə-ˌrāt-əd 

of a hernia

: constricted but not strangulated