behind bars

VERB

serving jail time

Synonyms

WEAK

confined imprisoned in jail in prison incarcerated jailed put away serving time under lock and key

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was sentenced to five years behind bars, but left La Sante prison in Paris after serving just 20 days, after a judge ordered his release with conditions.

From Barron's

Bialiatski's own organisation, Viasna, monitors political detentions in Belarus and the activist reminded everyone that many hundreds of people like him - only less well known - have been left behind bars.

From BBC

She has spent years behind bars, and gained global attention for speaking out against the oppression of women and torture of dissidents under Iran’s theocratic regime.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The sentence handed to him today comes with a number of strict conditions and should he breach these in any way he may face the prospect of time behind bars."

From BBC

Acting from behind bars, with help from family and supporters, Ulbricht mounted a social media campaign clamoring for his release.

From Los Angeles Times