BREAKING JAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Breaking jail refers to the act of escaping or attempting to escape from a detention facility or prison, typically by evading or overcoming the security measures put in place. It involves unlawfully leaving confinement without the permission or knowledge of the authorities responsible for maintaining the facility. Breaking jail is considered a criminal offense and can result in additional charges or penalties for the individual involved.
The term "breaking" in this context does not necessarily imply physical force or destruction of property, although it can involve these actions. It broadly encompasses any method used to bypass or elude the established security systems or personnel overseeing the detention facility. This can range from physical acts such as tunneling, scaling walls, or overpowering guards, to more cunning tactics like bribing or deceiving officials. Additionally, "breaking jail" can also refer to escaping from police custody or temporary holding cells.
Breaking jail is generally seen as a serious offense, as it undermines the authority of the legal system and poses potential risks to public safety. Authorities employ various measures in order to prevent such escapes, including surveillance systems, barriers, strict protocols, and trained personnel. Persons convicted of attempting or succeeding in breaking jail may face severe legal implications, increased sentences, or the initiation of manhunts to recapture them and return them to custody.
Etymology of BREAKING JAIL
The phrase "breaking jail" originates from the Old English word "brecan", meaning "to break" or "to separate". In this context, "breaking" refers to forcibly bursting out or escaping from a confined space, which in this case is a jail or prison. "Jail" comes from the Middle English word "gaol", derived from the Old French "jaiole" and ultimately from the Latin "caveola", meaning "little cage". Therefore, "breaking jail" implies breaking free from a cage-like confinement.
