Definition of Azkaban

Azkaban is the fictional wizard prison in the Harry Potter series of books by J. K. Rowling. Wizards who violate the laws of the British wizarding world are sent there. Only one other such prison; Nurmengard, is known to exist. By the start of the series, Azkaban is guarded by the Dementors, working under the British Ministry of Magic. Generally, only very severe crimes are punished with a term in Azkaban. Many of the prisoners were supporters of Lord Voldemort, though some misunderstandings have resulted in others' imprisonment. Rubeus Hagrid, for example, was sent there in Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts because of a crime he did not commit.