Definitions

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.

Convicted of "propaganda against the system", he was sentenced to six years in jail but served only two months behind bars before being released on bail.

From Barron's

"My mum and Craig are British citizens. They are living in horrific conditions, isolated, kept behind bars, stripped of their human dignity," he said in a statement.

From BBC

Mr Sullivan told me about his modest ambition - an ambition that he said he had lost hope of being able to realise at some points over his nearly four decades behind bars.

From BBC

Only one defendant, who was not present, was sentenced to a prison term that must be served behind bars due to "extremely serious acts", the presiding judge said in the decision.

From Barron's

Only one deputy spent any time behind bars.

From Los Angeles Times