Meaning of "watchhouse" in English

A "watchhouse" is a building historically used as a place of temporary detention, primarily for individuals who were arrested or held overnight until they could be brought before a magistrate. Traditionally, watchhouses were used as holding cells or temporary jails in small communities, operated by local authorities to maintain public order. The concept of the watchhouse dates back to periods when local law enforcement consisted of watchmen, hence the name. Over time, their function has evolved as modern policing and detention facilities have developed.

Meaning of "watchhouse" in French

In French, the term "watchhouse" is translated directly as "watchhouse." It refers to a small detention center or holding cell typically used for temporarily housing individuals who have been arrested until they can be presented to a court or magistrate. In historical contexts, a watchhouse would have been managed by local law enforcement, such as guards or night watchmen, underscoring its role in maintaining order and providing short-term custody. In modern usage, the term might be less common, reflecting changes in policing and detention practices.

Pronunciation of "watchhouse" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈwɒtʃhaʊs/

Pronunciation Variations: The word "watchhouse" is generally pronounced uniformly in English, with no significant regional variations. Some speakers might pronounce it with a softer "w" or a clearer separation between "watch" and "house," but such differences are minor.

Pronunciation of "watchhouse" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /wɔtʃhaws/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "watchhouse" in French might vary slightly depending on the speaker's familiarity with English-derived terms. Generally, French speakers may emphasize the "h" less than native English speakers.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The old watchhouse was transformed into a local museum. (L'ancien watchhouse a été transformé en musée local.)
  2. The suspect spent the night in the watchhouse before his trial. (Le suspect a passé la nuit dans le watchhouse avant son procès.)
  3. Many villages had their own watchhouse centuries ago. (De nombreux villages avaient leur propre watchhouse il y a des siècles.)
  4. The watchhouse provided a temporary holding area for detainees. (Le watchhouse servait de zone de détention temporaire pour les détenus.)
  5. After his arrest, he was taken to the watchhouse nearby. (Après son arrestation, il a été emmené au watchhouse tout proche.)
  6. The watchhouse on Main Street is a historic landmark now. (Le watchhouse de la rue principale est désormais un monument historique.)
  7. Patrols often brought intoxicated individuals to the watchhouse. (Les patrouilles amenaient souvent les personnes ivres au watchhouse.)
  8. The watchhouse used to be right beside the courthouse. (Le watchhouse était juste à côté du palais de justice.)
  9. With new facilities, the old watchhouse was abandoned. (Avec de nouvelles installations, l'ancien watchhouse a été abandonné.)
  10. They renovated the watchhouse for community events. (Ils ont rénové le watchhouse pour des événements communautaires.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "watchhouse" in English

Synonyms: lockup, holding cell, detention center, guardhouse, jailhouse, station house, precinct, custody suite.

Antonyms: freedom, liberty, release, openness, discharge.

Similar Words: prison, jail, brig, stockade, penitentiary, hoosegow, clink, remand center.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "watchhouse" in French

Synonyms: poste de garde, cellule de détention, centre de rétention, casemate, tour de guet.

Antonyms: liberté, libération, indépendance.

Similar Words: prison, geôle, cellule, poste de police, centre pénitentiaire.

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