noun
prisoner
PRIH-zuh-nuh
noun
1
Someone locked up in prison, whether awaiting trial or serving a sentence.
"The prisoner was released after ten years for good behavior."
2
Anyone held against their will, not necessarily in a jail.
"The hostages were kept as prisoners in the basement for three days."
3
Figuratively, someone who feels trapped by their circumstances.
"He became a prisoner of his own routine."
How to Use Prisoner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone being held captive — in an actual prison, or just in a situation they can't escape.
Common pairings
take someone prisoner
prisoner of war
former prisoner
Word Forms
prisoners plural
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The _____ was released after ten years for good behavior.
Etymology
From Old French prisonier, built from prison plus the agent suffix -er — literally "one who is imprisoned."