WordGarden.iobail
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈeɪl/
US
- /ˈbeɪl/
Meanings
Noun
money or property given to secure someone's release before trial
Verb
to secure someone's release by paying or promising bail
to leave suddenly or stop participating
to scoop water out of a boat or other flooded container
Beyond the definition
Imagine someone accused of a crime—they don't have to stay in jail while waiting for their trial. That's where "bail" comes in. It is essentially a promise, backed by money, that the person will show up in court. It's like saying, "Here's the cash, I swear I'll be back." If they return, they usually get most of the money back. But if they run? It is forfeited.
You can also "bail someone out," meaning you pay their bail for them—a generous act, but a risky one! Beyond the legal world, you can "bail out" a sinking boat by scooping water out of it, or "bail" on a friend if you suddenly cancel your plans. Whether it's a legal bridge to court or a way to keep a boat afloat, "bail" is all about emergency release and rescue.
"Bail" is a legal mechanism that allows an accused person to be released from custody while awaiting trial. It's not about proving innocence or guilt, but ensuring the defendant appears in court when required. The amount set by a judge depends on several factors: the severity of the charge, the defendant's criminal history, their ties to the community, and the risk they pose if released.
The most common form involves posting money—either directly with the court or through a bail bondsman (who charges a non-refundable fee). This money acts as collateral; if the defendant fails to appear in court, it is forfeited. However, "bail" isn't always about money. Sometimes a judge may release someone on their "own recognizance," meaning they promise to return without paying anything. There can also be conditions tied to release, such as staying away from certain people, surrendering a passport, or undergoing drug testing.
The concept of legal bail has become controversial, with critics arguing it disproportionately affects low-income individuals who cannot afford to post bail and end up remaining incarcerated before their trial—even if they are ultimately found innocent.
The word's reach also extends far beyond the courtroom. In a nautical context, to "bail" means to use a bucket or container to remove water from a vessel. This imagery gave rise to the common idiom "bailing someone out," which means rescuing someone from a difficult situation or financial bind. In modern slang, "to bail" means to leave a place abruptly or to cancel plans at the last minute. Finally, in the sport of cricket, "bails" are the small wooden cylinders that rest on top of the stumps. Whether in law, on the water, or in social life, "bail" represents a complex mechanism balancing the act of leaving with the responsibility of fulfilling a promise.
Examples
- 1
Legal payment
She spent the night in jail because she couldn't afford bail.
- 2
Legal status
He was released on bail until his court date.
- Phraseon bail
out of jail while waiting for trial
- 3
Jail release
Her uncle came down to the station and bailed her out.
- 4
Financial rescue
The airline was losing money, but the government refused to bail it out.
- Patternbail someone/something out
help them out of serious trouble, often with money
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Informal leaving
I said I'd help them move, but I bailed at the last minute.
- Usageinformal: bail
leave or stop before you said you would
- 6
Broken promise
Don't bail on me now when we're almost finished.
- Patternbail on someone
leave them or fail to do what you promised
- 7
Missed court
If he misses court again, they'll say he jumped bail.
- Phrasejump bail
fail to return to court after being released
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bailnounverb
Forms
- bailedpast tenseverbnoun
- bailing-ing formverbnoun
- bailspluralnounverb