prison
n. · v.-
1 the state of being locked up (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Lawthe time or state of being kept in a prison.
the condition or state of being incarcerated; confinement within a penal institution.
ExampleHe was sentenced to ten years in prison for his role in the robbery.
ExampleThe reform advocate argued that long-term prison does little to rehabilitate offenders without accompanying educational programmes.
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2 a restrictive place (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala place or situation that makes you feel trapped or limited.
a place, situation, or relationship that is perceived as restrictive, oppressive, or inescapable.
ExampleWithout any friends or hobbies, the small town felt like a prison to her.
ExampleFor the creative spirit, a repetitive desk job in a windowless office can quickly become a psychological prison.
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3 to lock someone up (v.) C1 Advanced Literary Formalto put someone in a prison or to keep them somewhere they cannot leave.
to confine or shut up in a prison; to deprive of liberty.
ExampleThe king decided to prison his enemies in the highest tower of the castle.
ExampleThe regime sought to prison all dissenting voices, hoping that isolation would silence the growing movement for reform.
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
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.