prison
1. pris.on \'priz-*n\ n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L prehension-, prehensio act of seizing, fr. pr]ehensus, pp. of prehendere to seize - more at PREHENSILE 1: a state of confinement or captivity 2: a place of confinement : as 2a: a building in which persons are confined for safe custody while on tria l for an offense or for punishment after trial and conviction 2b: an institution for the imprisonment of persons convicted of serious cri mes : PENITENTIARY 2. prison vt : IMPRISON, CONFINE