prison
word
/ˈpɹɪzən/
PRI-zuhn
/pɹˈɪzən/
PRI-zuhn
Definition
A building where people are kept as punishment for a crime or while they are waiting for trial.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and neutral; often used in legal or news contexts. 'Prison' refers to longer-term detention after sentencing; 'jail' is more for short-term holding. Common phrases: 'go to prison', 'released from prison'. Can also be used metaphorically for feeling trapped.
Spanish: prisión - cárcelPortuguese (BR): prisãoPortuguese (PT): prisãoChinese (Simplified): 监狱Chinese (Traditional): 監獄Hindi: जेलArabic: سجنBengali: জেল - কারাগারRussian: тюрьмаJapanese: 刑務所Vietnamese: nhà tùKorean: 교도소 - 감옥Turkish: hapishaneUrdu: جیل - قید خانہIndonesian: penjara
Example Sentences
He was sent to prison for five years.
basic
The prison is located outside the city.
basic
She visited her brother in prison.
basic
He spent most of his youth in prison.
natural
Many people believe life in prison is very tough.
natural
After ten years, he was finally released from prison.
natural