As a Noun: 1. A special place where people are kept locked up, usually because they have been found guilty of a crime. English = jail, gaol, prison. 2. A person who is locked up in a prison. English = prisoner, inmate. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To put someone into a special place where they are kept locked up, usually because they have been found guilty of a crime. English = jail, gaol, imprison. 2. To be put into prison. English = (be) jailed, (be) imprisoned.