Definition of Panopticon

1. Noun. An area where everything is visible.

Generic synonyms: Area
Specialized synonyms: Saleroom, Salesroom, Showroom
Derivative terms: Panoptical

2. Noun. A circular prison with cells distributed around a central surveillance station; proposed by Jeremy Bentham in 1791.
Generic synonyms: Prison, Prison House

Definition of Panopticon

1. n. A prison so contructed that the inspector can see each of the prisoners at all times, without being seen.

Definition of Panopticon

1. Noun. A type of prison designed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham wherein all the cells are visible from the center of the building. It engenders the feeling that someone is watching you, even though you know the contrary. ¹

2. Noun. A room for the exhibition of novelties. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Lexicographical Neighbors of Panopticon

panochas
panoche
panoches
panocracy
panodic
panoistic
panomphean
panophobia
panophthalmitis
panoplied
panoplies
panoply
panoptic
panoptic stain
panoptical
panopticon (current term)
panopticons
panorama
panoramas
panoramic
panoramic X-ray
panoramic X-ray film
panoramic radiograph
panoramic rotating machine
panoramic sight
panoramic view
panoramical
panoramically
panormium
panorpian

Literary usage of Panopticon

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Works of Jeremy Bentham by Jeremy Bentham, John Bowring (1843)
"Letter to Brissot on the panopticon, 226. Estimate of Bentham by Lord ... Hopes and disappointments about the panopticon Penitentiary Plan, 250-251. ..."

2. Principles of Legislation: From the Ms. of Jeremy Bentham ... By M. Dumont by Jeremy Bentham, Etienne Dumont, John Neal, Jean-Charles-Léonard Simonde Sismondi (1830)
"To-day he entered into a detail of his magnificent project with regard to the panopticon-proprietorship, or contract-management proposed by him, ..."

3. James Mill: A Biography by Alexander Bain (1882)
"Bentham took up the subject and spent several vexatious years upon the introduction of his panopticon arrangement. It was a leading topic with William ..."

4. The Musical World (1855)
"... which Mr. Hill has built for the panopticon, we are bound to confess our astonishment that it has been put to no better uses up to the present moment. ..."

5. The Life and Labours of Albany Fonblanque by Albany William Fonblanque, Edward Barrington De Fonblanque (1874)
"The Press does its worst to render the Sovereign's palace a panopticon, and to subject its possessor to the annoyance of constant watching, ..."

6. A History of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815 by Spencer Walpole (1878)
"Bentham's model was known as the panopticon, a name which happily expresses the power of the single warder to command any number of galleries radiating from ..."

7. The Life and Reminiscences of E. L. Blanchard by Edward L. Blanchard, Drinkwater Meadows (1891)
"Emery, Benson ; Mrs. Stirling, Mrs. Trotter Southdown; Miss Wyndham, Mrs. Benson; Robson, Trotter Southdown. i The Royal panopticon of ..."

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