prison

1 of 2

noun

pris·​on ˈpri-zᵊn 

1

: a state of confinement or captivity

2

: a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers

specifically : an institution (such as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes compare jail

prison

2 of 2

verb

prisoned; prisoning; prisons

transitive verb

: imprison, confine

Synonyms

Noun

• bastille
• big house [slang]
• bridewell
• brig
• calaboose
• can
• clink [slang]
• cooler
• coop
• guardroom
• hock
• hold
• hoosegow
• jail
• jailhouse
• joint [slang]
• jug
• lockup
• nick [British slang]
• pen
• penitentiary
• pokey [slang]
• quod [British slang]
• slam
• slammer
• stir [slang]
• stockade
• tolbooth [Scottish]

Examples of prison in a Sentence

Noun

The state plans to build two more prisons.

He was in prison at the time.

If caught, they're all going to prison.

She was sent to prison for robbery.

He was released from prison.

He's scheduled to get out of prison next month.

Her marriage became a prison to her.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The big picture: Hankison, 48, now faces a maximum of life in prison. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 2 Nov. 2024

Who is executed versus who is allowed to live out their lives in prison appears to be based on no more than chance, race, or status. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Stone said the charges were third-degree felonies punishable by a maximum term of 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. —CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024

The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted. —Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prehension-, prehensio act of seizing, from prehendere to seize — more at get

First Known Use

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prison

• left to rot in jail/prison
• maximum security prison
• minimum security prison
• open prison
• prison camp
• prison industrial complex
• prison time

Kids Definition

prison

noun

pris·​on

ˈpriz-ᵊn

1

: a state of confinement or captivity

2

: a place where criminals or prisoners are locked up

Legal Definition

prison

noun

pris·​on

: an institution usually under state control for confinement of persons serving sentences for serious crimes compare house of correction, house of detention, jail, lockup, penitentiary