prise

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To force something open or apart using a lever or tool.

   He used a screwdriver to prise open the rusty lid.

2. 2
   verb

   To get information or something hard to obtain out of someone with effort.

   It took hours to prise the truth out of him.

From the Middle English noun prise (“taking of something”), from Old French prise (“seizure; taking; capture”), past participle of prendre (“to take”). Doublet of prize.

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