Immure

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪˈmjʊər/

Definitions

1. To enclose or confine someone against their will, typically in a space from which they cannot escape.
2. To imprison or lock up; to shut away.
3. To imprison or confine within limits.

Usage Examples

• The prisoner was immured in a dark, damp cell for years.
• The soldiers immured themselves within the fortress, awaiting reinforcements.
• She felt as though society had immured her in its rigid expectations.

Etymology

From Latin "immurare," meaning "to wall in," from "in-" (into) and "murus" (wall). The term originally referred to the practice of sealing someone within a wall, often as a form of punishment or imprisonment.

Synonyms

• Imprison
• Enclose
• Confine
• Trap
• Lock up

Antonyms

• Release
• Free
• Unbind
• Unconfine

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• UK: /ɪˈmjʊər/
• US: /ɪˈmjʊər/
• India: /ɪˈmjʊər/ with emphasis on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "immure" first appeared in the 16th century and was initially used to describe the act of imprisoning someone by walling them in. It was often associated with punishment, such as burying criminals or enemies alive. Over time, its usage broadened to include any form of confinement or entrapment, both literal and figurative.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of immurement has deep cultural roots, especially in medieval and ancient societies, where immuring individuals was considered a severe punishment. Today, the word is more often used metaphorically, indicating emotional or social confinement, such as feeling "immured" by societal pressures or expectations.

More Information

Immurement, in its literal sense, refers to the practice of trapping someone within a confined space, often sealed in a wall or chamber, which was historically used as a form of punishment. The practice has appeared in various cultures throughout history, particularly as a means of execution or solitary confinement. In modern usage, the term is more figurative, representing the emotional or psychological feeling of being trapped or confined, such as when someone feels immured by their circumstances, limitations, or social expectations.