Main Entry: ¹pris·on

Pronunciation: \ˈpri-z^ən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin prehension-, prehensio act of seizing, from prehendere to seize — more at get

Date: 12th century

1 : a state of confinement or captivity
2 : a place of confinement especially for lawbreakers; specifically : an institution (as one under state jurisdiction) for confinement of persons convicted of serious crimes — compare jail