prison

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A place or institution where people are held against their will, in the US especially for long-term confinement, as of those convicted of serious crimes or otherwise considered undesirable by the government.

   The cold stone walls of the prison had stood for over a century.

2. 2
   noun

   Confinement in prison.

   Prison was a harrowing experience for him.

3. 3
   noun

   Any restrictive environment, such as a harsh academy or home.

   The academy was a prison for many of its students because of its strict teachers.

4. 4
   noun

   a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment

5. 5
   noun

   a prisonlike situation

6. 6
   verb

   To imprison.

Etymology

From Middle English prisoun, prison, from Old English prisūn, a borrowing from Old French prison, from Latin prehensiōnem, accusative singular of prehensiō, from the verb prehendō. Doublet of prehension.