xà-lim

Tù nhân ngồi trong xà-lim đọc sách.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Solitary confinement cell: A small, secure room in a prison where an inmate is held alone, typically as a form of punishment or for protective custody.
   • Prison cell: More generally, can refer to a standard cell in a prison or detention facility.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tên tù nhân nguy hiểm bị nhốt trong xà-lim. (The dangerous prisoner was locked in solitary confinement.)
  • Mỗi xà-lim thường chỉ có một giường và một bồn cầu. (Each cell usually has only a bed and a toilet.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to emphasize isolation, harsh conditions, and severe punishment within the penal system.

Variants and Related Words

• Biệt giam (n): Solitary confinement. This is a more formal or administrative term.
  • Hình phạt biệt giam được áp dụng cho những vi phạm nghiêm trọng. (The punishment of solitary confinement is applied for serious violations.)

Synonyms

• Solitary confinement cell
• Isolation cell
• Punishment cell
• Dungeon (in a historical or figurative sense)

Related Idioms

• Vào xà-lim: To be put in solitary confinement. This phrase describes the action of being placed in such a cell.
  • Vì đánh nhau, hắn bị vào xà-lim một tuần. (For fighting, he was put in solitary confinement for a week.)