life sentence
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A legal punishment of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's natural life, typically imposed for the most serious crimes. 2. (Figuratively) A situation, obligation, or condition that feels permanent and inescapable.
Usage
The term "life sentence" is used primarily in legal and judicial contexts to describe the most severe form of incarceration. It functions as a countable noun.
Examples: * The judge handed down a life sentence for the brutal murder. * In some jurisdictions, a life sentence may include the possibility of parole after a minimum number of years. * (Figurative) After signing that mortgage, he felt like he had a life sentence of debt.
Advanced Usage
- "To be given/get/receive a life sentence": This is the standard collocation for the imposition of this punishment by a court.
- The defendant was given a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
- "To serve a life sentence": This describes the action of the prisoner undergoing the punishment.
- He will serve his life sentence in a maximum-security prison.
Variants and Related Words
- Life (noun, informal): Used colloquially as a shortened form of "life sentence".
- The prosecutor is seeking life for the crime.
- Life imprisonment (noun phrase): A formal synonym for "life sentence".
- Lifer (noun, informal): A prisoner serving a life sentence.
Synonyms
- Life imprisonment
- (Informal) Life
Antonyms
- Acquittal
- Probation
- A fixed-term sentence (e.g., a ten-year sentence)
Related Phrases
- Life without parole (LWOP): A specific type of life sentence where the prisoner is never eligible for release.
- Mandatory life sentence: A life sentence required by law for a particular crime, removing the judge's discretion.
Noun
- a prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives
- he got life for killing the guard