prisoner

[priz-uh-ner, priz-ner]

noun

1. a person who is confined in prison or kept in custody, especially as the result of legal process.

2. prisoner of war.

3. a person or thing that is deprived of liberty or kept in restraint.

prisoner

/ ˈprɪzənə /

noun

1. a person deprived of liberty and kept in prison or some other form of custody as a punishment for a crime, while awaiting trial, or for some other reason

2. a person confined by any of various restraints

   we are all prisoners of time

3. informal,  to be uncompromising and resolute in one's actions

4. to capture and hold someone as a prisoner, esp as a prisoner of war

Word History and Origins

Origin of prisoner¹

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French. See prison, -er ²

Example Sentences

And then there are the ghosts, which prisoners reportedly feared as much, if not more, than the physical conditions.

From Salon

Reports in the Israeli media this morning also suggest that Israel's cabinet will not get to vote on the full terms of the deal – but only on the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

From BBC

Since the creation of a new law last year, more than 10,000 prisoners have joined the Ukrainian military, including murderers.

From BBC

It calls for a stop to the fighting, the limited withdrawal of Israeli forces, and Hamas to release all remaining hostages followed by the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

From BBC

Key elements of the plan, which the leaders announced at the White House in Washington, include the release of hostages, a prisoner swap involving hundreds and amnesty for Hamas fighters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• captive 
• convict 
• detainee 
• hostage