Definition of "panopticon" in Anglais

noun

1. (historical) A kind of projector in the 18th and 19th centuries.

2. A type of prison where all the cells are visible from the center, particularly if it is not possible for those in a cell to know if they are being watched.

   • 1787 Jeremy Bentham: Panopticon: or, the inspection-house. Panopticon: or, the inspection-house. Containing the idea of a new principle of construction applicable to any sort of establishment, in which Persons of any Description are to be kept under inspection. And in particular to: penitentiary-houses, poor-houses, prisons, manufactories, houses of industry, mad-houses, work-houses, hospitals, and schools. . . Now as to safe custody. Upon the Panopticon plan at least, absolute solitude is equally unnecessary to this purpose. Towards effecting an escape, what can two or three do more than one, confined as they are by iron grates while they are within the prison, and by walls when they are without? and in either case, never out of the eye of an inspector, who is armed and out of reach of attack, and within reach of whatever assistance he can desire? . . . I look upon escape out of a Panopticon, I have said so over and over, as an event morally impossible. But suppose it otherwise — how great the additional security which an expedient thus simple would afford!

3. (figurative, by extension) A place in which people are subject to constant surveillance at totalitarian command.

   • Perhaps the construction of such a genetic panopticon is wise. But I doubt that the proud men who wrote the charter of our liberties would have been so eager to open their mouths for royal inspection.

4. A room for the exhibition of novelties.