life sentence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, legal, figurative (general).
Quick answer
What does “life sentence” mean?
A legal punishment where a convicted criminal is sent to prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period with the possibility of parole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legal punishment where a convicted criminal is sent to prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period with the possibility of parole.
Used metaphorically to describe any situation, circumstance, or commitment that feels permanent, inescapable, and burdensome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Conceptually identical. In the UK, 'life sentence' often implies a minimum term (tariff) set by a judge, after which parole may be considered; 'whole life order/tariff' means no parole. In the US, it varies by state, with distinctions like 'life without parole' (LWOP) versus 'life with the possibility of parole'.
Connotations
Both carry the same weight. In journalistic contexts, both varieties use the term with high frequency in crime reporting.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in legal and media contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “life sentence” in a Sentence
[Subject: Judge/Court] imposed a life sentence on [Object: Defendant] for [Crime].[Subject: Defendant] is serving a life sentence (for [Crime]).He received a life sentence.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “life sentence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The court is expected to life-sentence the defendant tomorrow.
- (Note: highly uncommon as a verb; 'sentence to life' is standard)
American English
- (Not used as a verb; 'sentence to life' is used.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The life-sentence prisoner appealed for early release.
- A life-sentence review hearing.
American English
- Life-sentence inmates are housed in a separate facility.
- The life-sentence conviction was upheld.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically: 'Taking on that debt was a financial life sentence for the company.'
Academic
Used in criminology, sociology, and legal studies to discuss penal policy, recidivism, and human rights.
Everyday
Figurative: 'This phone contract feels like a life sentence.' Or discussing news: 'Did you hear he got a life sentence?'
Technical
Precise legal term denoting a specific class of judicial punishment with defined statutory parameters and review processes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “life sentence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “life sentence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “life sentence”
- Incorrect article: 'He got life sentence.' (Correct: 'He got a life sentence.')
- Confusing with 'death sentence'.
- Using it for short, fixed-term punishments.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not always. In many jurisdictions, 'life sentence' includes the possibility of parole after a minimum term (e.g., 15-25 years). 'Life without parole' specifically means no chance of release.
Yes, it's commonly used figuratively to describe any situation perceived as a permanent, burdensome obligation (e.g., 'This job is a life sentence of boredom').
They are largely synonymous. 'Life sentence' is the term for the judgment passed by the court. 'Life imprisonment' is the state of being imprisoned for life. They are often used interchangeably.
It is a two-word compound noun, often hyphenated when used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'life-sentence prisoner').
A legal punishment where a convicted criminal is sent to prison for the rest of their life, or for a very long period with the possibility of parole.
Life sentence is usually formal, journalistic, legal, figurative (general). in register.
Life sentence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf ˌsentəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪf ˌsentəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A life sentence of debt”
- “Marriage isn't a life sentence!”
- “He gave himself a life sentence of guilt.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LIFE SENTENCE: Think of a judge handing down a sentence that lasts for a person's entire LIFE. The 'sentence' is the punishment, and 'life' defines its duration.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A PRISON; BURDENSOME SITUATIONS ARE LEGAL PUNISHMENTS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'life sentence' used metaphorically?