remand centre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Legal, Governmental, Formal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “remand centre” mean?
A secure establishment where people accused of crimes are detained while awaiting trial or sentencing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A secure establishment where people accused of crimes are detained while awaiting trial or sentencing.
A type of prison, primarily in the UK and Commonwealth systems, designed for holding remand prisoners (those not yet convicted) as opposed to those serving sentences. It may also temporarily hold convicted prisoners awaiting sentencing or transfer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in UK, Australian, and Canadian legal/penal contexts. The US equivalent is typically 'jail' or 'detention center' for pre-trial detention, though 'remand' is understood legally.
Connotations
In the UK, it specifically denotes a purpose-built facility for remand prisoners, separate from a standard prison. In the US, 'remand' is primarily a verb in legal procedure ('remanded to custody'), not a common noun for a facility.
Frequency
High frequency in UK legal/news contexts; low frequency in general American English, where 'jail' is overwhelmingly common.
Grammar
How to Use “remand centre” in a Sentence
The defendant was held on remand at [a remand centre].He spent six months in [a remand centre] awaiting trial.The court remanded her to [a remand centre].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remand centre” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magistrate remanded him in custody at Feltham Young Offenders Remand Centre.
American English
- The judge remanded the defendant to the county jail pending further hearings.
adverb
British English
- He was held remanded at the centre for months.
American English
- She was held remanded in jail for months.
adjective
British English
- The remand centre population has risen sharply.
- He is a remand prisoner.
American English
- The pre-trial detention population is high.
- She is being held on remand status.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in criminology, legal studies, and sociology papers discussing penal systems and pre-trial detention.
Everyday
Used in news reports about crime and court proceedings (e.g., "The teenager was sent to a young offenders remand centre.").
Technical
Used in legal documents, court orders, and official prison service communications to specify the type of custodial institution.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remand centre”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remand centre”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remand centre”
- Using it to refer to a prison for sentenced criminals (incorrect). Confusing it with a 'bail hostel'. Misspelling as 'remanded centre'. Using it as a verb (it's a noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While similar in security, a remand centre specifically holds people who have not yet been convicted (pre-trial detainees). A 'prison' typically holds convicted criminals serving sentences.
In the US, 'jail' serves the combined function of holding pre-trial detainees (the remand function) and short-term sentenced offenders. 'Remand centre' is a UK-specific term for a facility dedicated solely to the pre-trial detention function.
No. You are held or remanded to a remand centre. If sentenced to imprisonment, you would be transferred to a prison. However, a remand centre might hold you temporarily after conviction while awaiting sentencing or transfer.
Yes, it is a formal, official term used in legal and penal system contexts. In everyday UK news, it is commonly used, but the more general term 'jail' or 'custody' is also frequent.
A secure establishment where people accused of crimes are detained while awaiting trial or sentencing.
Remand centre: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɑːnd ˌsɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmænd ˌsɛn(t)ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on remand (being held in a remand centre)”
- “remanded in custody”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REMand = REtain until court's comMAND. A CENTRE where this happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
A holding tank for the judicial process; a purgatory between accusation and verdict.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a remand centre?