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

1. a prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives
   • he got life for killing the guard