Meaning & Definition of word "Prisoner"

Prisoner

/ˈprɪzənər/

1. A person who is held in custody, typically as a result of legal proceedings for committed offenses.
- Example: The prisoner was sentenced to five years in prison for theft.
2. A person who is confined or restricted in some way, often used metaphorically.
- Example: She felt like a prisoner in her own home due to the constant surveillance.
3. A person who is captured and held by an enemy during a conflict.
- Example: The soldiers were worried about the fate of their fellow prisoner of war.
4. A person who is subjected to some form of captivity or involuntary confinement.
- Example: Many hostages were treated like prisoners until their release.

From Old French 'prisonier', from 'prison' meaning 'a place of confinement'.

prisoner of war:

A member of the armed forces who is captured by enemy forces during armed conflict.

political prisoner:

A person imprisoned for their political beliefs or actions.

prisoner exchange:

An agreement to exchange prisoners, often between warring factions.

incarceration:

The state of being confined in prison.

detention:

The act of keeping someone in custody.

confinement:

The action of confining someone in a restricted area.

Meaning: Pen

Example Sentence: He’s been in the pen for a couple of years.

Meaning: Fish

Example Sentence: New inmates are often called fish when they enter.

Meaning: Caged bird

Example Sentence: She felt like a caged bird while she was a prisoner.