reformatory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Official
Quick answer
What does “reformatory” mean?
A place for the confinement and correction of young offenders.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A place for the confinement and correction of young offenders; a prison for juveniles.
An institution, especially for young people, intended to reform their behavior through discipline, education, and training.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In modern British English, 'reformatory' is largely historical. Terms like 'young offender institution', 'secure training centre', or 'borstal' (historical UK) are more common. In American English, it retains some specific historical/legal usage but is often superseded by 'juvenile detention center' or 'youth correctional facility'.
Connotations
Both varieties carry dated and somewhat negative connotations, associated with harsh, old-fashioned penal systems.
Frequency
More likely to be encountered in historical texts, legal contexts, or older media in both varieties. Very low frequency in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “reformatory” in a Sentence
He was sent to a reformatory.The reformatory aimed to rehabilitate young offenders.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reformatory” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Victorian era was known for its reformatory zeal. (Archaic)
American English
- The judge believed in reformatory rather than purely punitive justice. (Archaic)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or criminology papers discussing the evolution of juvenile justice systems.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing someone's past or in historical narratives.
Technical
Used in legal history and penology to denote a specific type of penal institution for juveniles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reformatory”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reformatory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reformatory”
- Using 'reformatory' as a common synonym for 'prison' (it is specific to juveniles).
- Using the adjective form ('reformatory measures') which sounds archaic; use 'reformative' instead.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is largely historical and carries dated connotations. Modern terms like 'juvenile detention center' or 'youth correctional facility' are preferred.
Historically, yes, meaning 'intended to reform'. However, this usage is now archaic. The modern adjective is 'reformative'.
A borstal was a specific type of youth prison in the UK and Commonwealth, named after the village of Borstal. A reformatory was the more general term used in both the UK and US. Both are now historical.
Because the institutions it describes are largely historical, and modern language has moved to more specific or less stigmatizing terms within criminal justice discourse.
A place for the confinement and correction of young offenders.
Reformatory is usually formal/official in register.
Reformatory: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɔːmət(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɔːrmətɔːri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A place to RE-FORM a young person's character (reformatory).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A PARENT (The state takes juvenile offenders to a 'reformatory' to correct them, as a parent would correct a child).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern synonym for 'reformatory' in American legal contexts?