decarceration

noun

de·​car·​cer·​a·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌkär-sə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce decarceration (audio)
: release from imprisonment
Early data show that crime has remained level in most cities that have released incarcerated people, and that crime rates are functionally unrelated to decarceration.Cynthia Roseberry
There is much talk of defunding the police but little of decarceration—freeing from prisons people who are locked into place because they don't have the financial wherewithal to afford the gentler and more understanding criminal justice system.Erik Sherman
also : the practice or policy of reducing the number of people subject to imprisonment
Decarceration is the effort to limit the number of people who are detained behind bars, either by limiting who is sent to prison in the first place or by creating avenues to release people already in custody. Martha Paynter et al.
decarceration efforts/strategies/policies
the decarceration movement

Examples of decarceration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Discussions about improving conditions at the D.C. jail have not included the urgent need for decarceration, enhanced oversight and ending the use of solitary confinement. Washington Post, 5 July 2024 Before Eric Adams, years of careful decarceration coupled with community investments put us on the path to eradicate Rikers. Darren MacK, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2024 Additionally, Mota and other critics of the fire camp model argue that decarceration should be the priority, rather than continuing to expand access to the camps. Maya Miller, Sacramento Bee, 31 May 2024 So how did crime fare under this period of concentrated decarceration? Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for decarceration 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decarceration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

de- + (in)carceration

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decarceration was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near decarceration

Cite this Entry

“Decarceration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decarceration. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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