prisoner

word

/ˈpɹɪzənɝ/
PRI-zuh-nur
/pɹˈɪzənɐ/
PRI-zuh-nuh

Definition

A prisoner is a person who is kept in a prison, jail, or another place where they cannot leave freely, usually because of a crime or during a war.

Usage & Nuances

Often used for someone in prison after a crime, but it can also mean a person captured in war. 'Prisoner' is neutral; 'inmate' is common in prison contexts, and 'captive' is broader. Common phrases include 'political prisoner' and 'prisoner of war'.

Example Sentences

They moved the prisoner to another room.

basic

The prisoner sat quietly in the cell.

basic

The guard gave the prisoner some water.

basic

The movie is about a soldier who becomes a prisoner of war.

natural

He felt like a prisoner in his own home after the accident.

natural

The journalist wrote a report about a political prisoner.

natural