Interment vs. Internment: Understanding the Distinction

When it comes to the English language, certain words can be easily confused with one another due to their similar spellings and pronunciations. One such example is “interment” and “internment.” Although these words may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between interment and internment is important to avoid confusion and to use these words correctly in your writing and speech.

Table of Contents

Interment vs. Internment: the Overview

Understanding Interment

Interment: Definition

Interment is a noun that refers to the act of burying a dead body in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites. The word is derived from the Latin word ‘intermentum’, which means ‘burial’. Interment is a formal word that is often used in official documents, such as death certificates, to describe the act of burying a deceased person.

Interment is often used interchangeably with the word ‘burial’, but there is a subtle difference between the two. While ‘burial’ refers to the act of placing a dead body in the ground, ‘interment’ specifically refers to the act of placing a dead body in a grave or tomb.

Interment: Contextual Usage

Interment is typically used in a formal or official context. It is often used in legal documents, such as wills and deeds, to describe the final resting place of a deceased person. For example, a will might state that the deceased person’s body should be interred in a specific cemetery or mausoleum.

Interment is also commonly used in obituaries and other death notices to describe the location of the deceased person’s final resting place. For example, an obituary might state that the deceased person’s body will be interred in a family plot at a local cemetery.

Understanding Internment

Internment: Definition

Internment is the act of detaining individuals or groups of people, usually during wartime, who are perceived to be a threat. It involves confining people to prescribed limits, such as internment camps, without trial or conviction. Internment can also refer to the confinement of enemy aliens or prisoners of war.

Internment: Contextual Usage

Internment has been used throughout history in various contexts. For instance, during World War II, the United States government infamously interned over 120,000 Japanese Americans in internment camps. Similarly, during the Boer War, the British government interned Boer women and children in concentration camps.

Internment can also be used in the context of immigration. For example, in the United States, individuals who enter the country illegally may be subject to internment until their immigration status is resolved.

It is important to note that internment is often controversial and can be seen as a violation of human rights. In some cases, internment has been used to suppress political dissent or to target specific ethnic or religious groups.

Here are some examples of sentences that use the word “internment” correctly:

The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II is considered a dark chapter in American history.
The government’s decision to intern refugees who arrived by boat has been met with criticism from human rights groups.
The internment of Boer women and children in concentration camps during the Boer War was a humanitarian disaster.

Interment vs. Internment: Key Differences

Legal Implications

One of the most significant differences between interment and internment is the legal implications of each term. Interment typically refers to the act of burying a deceased person, while internment refers to the confinement of a person or group of people during wartime. As a result, interment is generally considered a routine and legal process, while internment is often associated with human rights violations and illegal detention.

Historical Context

Another important difference between interment and internment is the historical context in which they are used. Interment has been a common practice throughout human history, with various cultures and religions having their own traditions and rituals surrounding burial. In contrast, internment is a term that is primarily associated with the detention of Japanese Americans during World War II.

During the war, the US government forcibly relocated over 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps, where they were confined for the duration of the conflict. This was done under the guise of national security, but it was later recognized as a gross violation of civil rights. As a result, the term internment is often associated with this dark chapter in American history.

Common Misconceptions

1. Interment and internment are interchangeable

One of the biggest misconceptions about these two terms is that they can be used interchangeably. However, this is not the case. Interment refers specifically to the burial of a dead body, while internment refers to the confinement of people or ships to prescribed limits, usually during wartime.

2. Internment is always associated with war

While internment is often associated with wartime confinement, it can also refer to the confinement of people for other reasons, such as political or social reasons. For example, during World War II, Japanese Americans were interned in the United States, but there have also been instances of internment for other reasons, such as during the Irish Civil War.

3. Interment and internment are both negative terms

While internment is often associated with negative connotations, such as confinement and imprisonment, interment is not necessarily a negative term. Interment simply refers to the burial of a dead body, which is a necessary part of the grieving process for many people.

4. Interment and internment are always associated with humans

While both interment and internment are often associated with humans, they can also refer to the burial or confinement of animals or objects. For example, a pet owner may choose to inter their beloved pet after it passes away, or a museum may choose to intern a valuable artifact for safekeeping.

5. Interment and internment are always legal

While interment and internment are often legal processes, there have been instances where they have been carried out illegally or unjustly. For example, during World War II, the internment of Japanese Americans in the United States was later deemed unconstitutional and a violation of their civil rights.

In summary, it is important to understand the distinct differences between interment and internment and to avoid common misconceptions about these terms. Interment refers specifically to the burial of a dead body, while internment refers to the confinement of people or ships to prescribed limits, usually during wartime or for other reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is interment and how is it different from internment?

Interment refers to the burial of a deceased person in a grave or tomb, typically accompanied by funeral rites. On the other hand, internment is the act of confining or detaining a person or a group of people, especially during wartime. The two words are often confused, but they have distinct meanings.

What are some examples of interment services?

Interment services can take many forms, depending on cultural and religious traditions. Some common examples include traditional burials in cemeteries, cremation followed by the scattering of ashes or inurnment in a columbarium, and natural burials in green spaces.

How do you pronounce the word interment?

The word interment is pronounced as “in-ter-muhnt,” with the stress on the second syllable.

What is the meaning of inurnment ceremony?

Inurnment ceremony refers to the act of placing cremated remains into an urn and interring it in a columbarium or other designated location. The ceremony often involves prayers, readings, and other rituals to honor the deceased.

Is internment the same as burial?

No, internment and burial are not the same. Internment refers to the confinement or detention of people, while burial refers to the interment of a deceased person’s body in a grave or tomb.

What is the origin of the word interment?

The word interment comes from the Latin word “intermentum,” which means burial or entombment. The word internment, on the other hand, has its roots in the French word “internement,” which means imprisonment or confinement.

Find out what else: