C1nounformallawcrime
US/beɪl/
UK/beɪl/
money paid to a court so that an accused person can leave jail until the trial
In context
The judge set bail at fifty thousand dollars for the company's former director.
He was released on bail after his lawyer paid the required amount.
The court refused bail because the fraud suspect might leave the country.
Words that go with bail
verb + noun
- grant bailThe judge refused to grant bail to the suspect.
- post bailHis family posted bail the same afternoon.
- set bailThe court set bail at a high amount.
- jump bailHe jumped bail and left the city.
verb + preposition
- released on bailShe was released on bail until the hearing.
noun + noun
- bail hearingThe bail hearing is scheduled for Friday.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He paid a bail for his brother.Correct: He posted bail for his brother.