Definition

A type of prison where people are forced to work, often used for political prisoners, especially in the former Soviet Union.

Example

Many political dissidents were sent to a gulag during the regime.

Conversation

Have you ever read about the gulag system in the Soviet Union?

Yeah, it was really brutal and inhumane to those who were sent there.

I can't believe how many people suffered in those camps.

I know, it's a dark part of history that we shouldn't forget.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gulag originates from the Russian acronym "ГУЛАГ" (GULAG), which stands for "Главное управление лагерей" (Glavnoe Upravlenie Lagerei), meaning "Main Camp Administration." The term refers to the government agency that administered forced labor camps in the Soviet Union.

Memory Tip

Think of the Russian acronym for the Main Camp Administration, which helps you remember that a gulag refers to a system of forced labor camps.

Visually Confused Words