Cool MatePrisoner
UK /["/ˈprɪznə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈprɪznər/"]/
Definition
a person who is kept in prison as a punishment, or while they are waiting for trial
In simple words: A person who is in jail.
Examples
- The prisoner escaped from the high-security facility yesterday.
- During the trial, the lawyer argued that the prisoner was innocent.
- Many prisoners participate in rehabilitation programs to ease their return to society.
- A former prisoner spoke about the challenges he faced after his release.
Usage notes
Use 'prisoner' to refer to someone who is legally confined in a prison. Avoid in casual conversations; use 'inmate' in more technical contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'prison' + 'er' — a person from the prison.
Collocations
- virtual
- political
- life
- capture
- take
- detain
- hold somebody prisoner
- keep somebody prisoner
- a prisoner of conscience
- virtual
- political
- life
- capture
- take
- detain
- hold somebody prisoner
- keep somebody prisoner
- a prisoner of conscience
Synonyms
- inmate
- convict
- detainee
- offender
Antonyms
- free person
- citizen
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'prison' (the place) and 'prisoner' (the person).
- Used to describe someone arrested but not yet convicted.