What is the meaning of jail?

noun

• A correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence.
  • synonyms: jailhouse, gaol, clink, slammer, poky, pokey

verb

• Lock up or confine, in or as in a jail.
  • usage: "The suspects were imprisoned without trial"; "the murderer was incarcerated for the rest of his life"
  • synonyms: imprison, incarcerate, lag, immure, put behind bars, jug, gaol, put away, remand