Crossword Genius

Incarcerate prisoner with penalty (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

confine

'incarcerate' is the definition.
(I know that incarcerate is a more specific form of confine)

'prisoner with penalty' is the wordplay.
'prisoner' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for 'convict').
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'penalty' becomes 'fine' (a financial penalty).
'con'+'fine'='CONFINE'

(Other definitions for confine that I've seen before include "Limit" , "Imprison" , "Keep within limits" , "Restrict (to an area)" , "Shut in" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.