Interment vs. Internment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Interment" refers to the burial of a body, while "Internment" denotes the confinement of people, typically during wartime. Both have different contexts and uses.
Difference Between Interment and Internment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interment" and "Internment" are words with distinct meanings but are occasionally confused due to their phonetic similarities. "Interment" chiefly refers to the act of burying a deceased body, often following religious or cultural rites. On the other hand, "Internment" predominantly relates to the confinement of people, particularly during periods of war or political unrest.
Within funeral practices, "Interment" can be viewed as a respectful term indicating the final resting place of an individual. This contrasts with "Internment," which implies a forced and restrictive situation where individuals are detained without trial, often in camps.
It's crucial to note the etymologies of both words. "Interment" derives from Latin "terra," meaning "earth," indicating burial. In contrast, "Internment" originates from "internus," signifying "internal" or "within," illustrating confinement.
Context can often guide one's understanding of these terms. If the topic pertains to burial practices, ceremonies, or graveyards, "Interment" would be the suitable term. In discussions about war, political tensions, or detentions, "Internment" would be apt.
Both "Interment" and "Internment" hold emotional weight. While "Interment" brings thoughts of mourning, grief, and remembrance, "Internment" evokes feelings of injustice, confinement, and human rights concerns.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Act of burial
Confinement of people
Context
Funerals, cemeteries
Wartime, political detentions
Etymology
From Latin "terra" (earth)
From Latin "internus" (internal)
Associated Emotions
Grief, remembrance
Injustice, confinement
Usage Example
"The family attended the interment."
"Many faced unjust internment during the war."
Compare with Definitions
Interment
Act of burying a deceased person.
The Interment ceremony was solemn and touching.
Internment
Confinement during wartime.
His grandfather faced Internment during the war years.
Interment
Placing a body in its final resting place.
The Interment of the veteran took place with military honors.
Internment
Restrictive holding, typically in camps.
History books recounted tales of Internment camps.
Interment
Committing a body to the ground.
The family decided on a private Interment.
Internment
Imprisonment without formal charges.
Human rights activists rallied against the Internment of refugees.
Interment
A funeral rite involving burial.
The Interment will occur at noon in the town's oldest cemetery.
Internment
Detention of individuals without trial.
The unjust Internment of citizens was condemned globally.
Interment
Process following a funeral where the body is buried.
After the funeral service, the Interment was at a nearby graveyard.
Internment
Detainment for political or military reasons.
Stories from the Internment camp were heartbreaking.
Interment
The burial of a corpse in a grave or tomb, typically with funeral rites
Interments took place in the churchyard
The day of interment
Internment
Internment is the imprisonment of people, commonly in large groups, without charges or intent to file charges. The term is especially used for the confinement "of enemy citizens in wartime or of terrorism suspects".
Interment
The act or ritual of interring or burying.
Internment
The act of interning or confining, especially in wartime.
Interment
The act of burying a dead body; burial.
Internment
The state of being interned; confinement.
Interment
The act or ceremony of depositing a dead body in the earth; burial; sepulture; inhumation.
Internment
Confinement within narrow limits, as of foreign troops, to the interior of a country.
Interment
The ritual placing of a corpse in a grave
Internment
Confinement within narrow limits, - as of foreign troops, to the interior of a country.
Internment
Confining within a country for the duration of a war; - usually of citizens of a hostile power.
Internment
Confinement during wartime
Internment
The act of confining someone in a prison (or as if in a prison)
Internment
Placing private property in the custody of an officer of the law
Common Curiosities
Are "Interment" and "Internment" interchangeable?
No, "Interment" refers to burial, while "Internment" means confinement.
Can "Interment" relate to cremation?
Yes, it can denote the placing of ashes in their final resting place.
What's the emotion linked with "Internment"?
"Internment" typically evokes feelings of confinement, injustice, and rights violation.
Is "Internment" only associated with war?
While commonly linked to wartime, "Internment" can occur in various political or social contexts.
What feelings does "Interment" evoke?
"Interment" often evokes sentiments of mourning and remembrance.
Do both words have Latin origins?
Yes, "Interment" is from "terra," and "Internment" from "internus."
Does "Internment" always indicate an injustice?
Often, but not always; it depends on the context and perspective.
Can "Interment" be used for animals?
Yes, it can denote the burial of pets or other animals.
Were "Internment" camps common in WWII?
Yes, notably with the confinement of Japanese Americans in the U.S. and various groups in Europe.
Does "Interment" always involve a coffin?
No, it simply refers to burial, which can vary in practice.
Are these words frequently misused?
Due to phonetic similarity, they can be, but context usually clarifies the intent.
Are there legal regulations around "Internment"?
Yes, "Internment" practices can be subject to national and international laws.
Is "Interment" a religious act?
It can be, depending on cultural or religious practices surrounding death.
Can "Internment" be voluntary?
Typically, it's forced; however, nuances might exist in specific contexts.
Can "Interment" be above ground?
Yes, as in mausoleums or crypts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
