French word

prison

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁizɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounprison

Example

Il est en prison depuis trois ans.

He has been in prison for three years.

Illustration for prison (prison)

More examples

La chanteuse a été condamnée et est allée en prison.

The singer was convicted and went to prison.

Core concept

A locked institution that keeps people inside while the law removes their freedom.

Common phrases

  • en prison

    in prison

  • aller en prison

    go to prison

  • sortir de prison

    leave prison

Similar words

cellule: A small room used to confine one person or a small group.
prisonnier: Someone who is held in prison.

Definition in French

Lieu de détention où les autorités retiennent des personnes privées de liberté, après condamnation ou avant le procès.

Word origin

French prison comes through Old French prison from Latin prehensio, meaning a taking or capture.

Usage tips

  • Être en prison means to be imprisoned, while être à la prison usually places someone at the prison as a location.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word