noun

inmate

inmate, prisoner, patient

The inmate was released from prison.

The inmate was released from prison.

He is an inmate at the local hospital.

He is an inmate at the local hospital.

((an inmate)) ((of a prison/hospital)) a person confined to an institution The inmate was released from prison.

Synonyms: prisoner, convict, patient, resident

From 'in-' (inside) + 'mate' (companion). Originally, it referred to someone who shares a dwelling.

Think of someone who is a 'mate' on the 'in'side of an institution like a prison or hospital.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.