Definition

A person who is kept in a place like a jail or prison, usually because they have been accused of a crime or are serving a sentence.

Example

The prisoner was released after serving ten years for his crime.

Conversation

Did you hear about the prisoner who escaped last night?

Yeah, I saw it on the news! That sounds intense.

I wonder how he managed to get out without anyone noticing.

It's crazy! I hope they catch him before he goes too far.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prisoner → It is formed from "prison" (from Old French *prison*, meaning a place of confinement) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A prisoner is a person who is confined in a place of imprisonment.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is in a 'place of confinement' ('prison') — the '-er' just means a person. This helps you remember that a prisoner is someone who is confined.

Visually Confused Words