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prisoner

American  
[priz-uh-ner, priz-ner] / ˈprɪz ə nər, ˈprɪz nər /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of prisoner

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The plan would lead to what Rubio called "a process of reconciliation", including amnesties for opposition forces, the release of political prisoners and the rebuilding of civil society.

From BBC

It was widely believed that the soldiers posted at Rezang La had either run away from the battle or had been taken as prisoners of war.

From BBC

Freddy Guevara, a member of Machado’s coalition who was a political prisoner for some three years in Venezuela, said he is still hopeful.

From The Wall Street Journal

Families of prisoners and some former prisoners report that conditions inside the jails are inhumane.

From The Wall Street Journal

They were approached by prisoners who told them disturbing things.

From Los Angeles Times