dungeon

[duhn-juhn]

noun

1. a strong, dark prison or cell, usually underground, as in a medieval castle.

2. the keep or stronghold of a castle; donjon.

dungeon

/ ˈdʌndʒən /

noun

1. a close prison cell, often underground

2. a variant of donjon

Word History and Origins

Origin of dungeon¹

1250–1300; Middle English dungeo ( u ) n, dongeoun, dungun < Middle French donjon < Vulgar Latin *domniōn- (stem of *domniō ) keep, mastery, syncopated variant of *dominiōn- dominion

Word History and Origins

Origin of dungeon¹

C14: from Old French donjon; related to Latin dominus master

Example Sentences

In her mind’s eye she saw him locked in a dungeon somewhere.

Read more on Literature

The show is part travelogue, part adventure quest with monsters, magic battles and dungeon exploration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jurors in Plumb's trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard his "ultimate fantasy" was to ambush Ms Willoughby at her home and bring sexualised violence against her at a "dungeon"-type room.

Read more on BBC

As they do in most Gaza hospitals, Hamas maintains a torture dungeon at al-Shifa, hidden from the regular wards and operating rooms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some of the comics on the Riyadh bill would perform a private show in a serial killer’s dungeon for the right amount of money — Schulz, I’m looking at you.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• torture chamber www.thesaurus.com