English · Culture & Society
prison
/ˈprɪz.ən/
[/ˈprɪz.ən/]
place of confinement
Beginnernoun
Definition
A building where people are held as punishment for crimes or while awaiting trial. It is also called a jail.
Example
He spent five years in prison before new evidence finally proved his innocence.
He spent five years in prison before new evidence finally proved his innocence.
Etymology
From Old French 'prison', from Latin 'prensio' (a seizing), from 'prehendere' (to seize).
How & Where It’s Used
A common everyday word in law and news.