noun

inmate

inmate, prisoner, patient

The inmate was released from prison.

The inmate was released from prison.

He was an inmate of the hospital.

He was an inmate of the hospital.

((an inmate)) a person who is kept in a prison. The inmate was released from prison.

((an inmate)) ((of sth.)) a person living in an institution like a hospital. He was an inmate of the hospital.

Synonyms: prisoner, convict, captive; patient, resident

From 'in' + 'mate' (companion). Originally meant someone who shares a dwelling.

Think of an 'inmate' as a 'mate' who is 'in' 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.