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עברית
מאסר — meaning in English: imprisonment
ma'asar · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
incarceration
בפועל
bafo'al
מאסר
ma'asar
שאנו
she'anu
הביע
hebi'a
חתם
khatam
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formal
common
Usage
The word מאסר (ma'asar) is often used in legal contexts, particularly when discussing criminal justice or imprisonment situations in Israel. Native speakers might use this term when talking about court sentences or discussing the conditions surrounding a person’s confinement, such as in news articles or legal documents.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for מאסר is כלא (kele), which also means 'prison.' However, מאסר specifically refers to the act of imprisonment or the state of being imprisoned, emphasizing the legal aspect, while כלא often refers more to the physical location of confinement. You might choose מאסר when discussing legal consequences, such as sentencing, whereas כלא would be more suitable when describing the prison itself.
Culture
The term מאסר has roots in the Hebrew Bible, where it relates to the concepts of confinement and punishment. Interestingly, the evolution of this word mirrors the evolution of legal systems in Israel, reflecting societal attitudes towards justice and rehabilitation. Its presence in modern Hebrew showcases how ancient terms continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about law and order.
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