Question

what is the meaning of the word penitentiary as used below? use the synonym to help you determine its meaning.
the federal penitentiary on alcatraz island in san francisco bay is known as the rock. the prison opened in 1934 and closed in 1963. only the worst law breakers in the federal system—some 1,576 of them—were sent here.
courthouse
detention center
judge

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "penitentiary", we use the synonym "prison" provided in the text. A "courthouse" is where legal proceedings happen, a "judge" is a person in the legal system, but a "detention center" is a place where people (like law - breakers) are held, similar to a prison/penitentiary.

Answer:

B. detention center