bail
/beɪl/
verb
- To remove water from a boat using a bucket or similar container.
- We used a plastic cup to bail the water from the dinghy.
- He bailed frantically as the rain filled the small boat.
- They had to bail water out of the canoe to keep it from sinking.
- To pay money to a court so that a person accused of a crime can go free until their trial.
- They couldn't afford to bail him, so he stayed in custody.
- The lawyer bailed his client out of jail.
- She bailed her friend after the arrest.
- To leave a situation or place suddenly, especially to avoid trouble or responsibility.
- She decided to bail on the project because it was too stressful.
- The actor bailed out of the movie deal at the last minute.
- He bailed on the party when he heard his ex-girlfriend was coming.
noun
- Money or property given to a court to allow a person accused of a crime to go free until their trial, with the promise that they will return.
- He was released on bail and must appear in court next month.
- The judge set bail at $10,000 for the suspect.
- Her family paid the bail so she could go home while waiting for the court date.
- One of the two small pieces of wood or metal that rest on the stumps in the game of cricket.
- The umpire replaced the bail after it was dislodged.
- The bowler knocked the bails off the stumps.
- A strong wind blew the bails off the wicket.
Synonyms