B1nouncrimelaw
US/ˈprɪz.ən/
UK/ˈprɪz.ən/
a building where people are kept as punishment after a court finds them guilty of a crime
In context
He spent five years in prison for stealing money from his company.
The judge sent her to prison, although many people thought a fine was enough.
Some prisons now offer courses so that prisoners can find work after release.
Words that go with prison
verb + noun
- go to prisonIf he is found guilty, he could go to prison for ten years.
noun + noun
- prison sentenceShe received a two-year prison sentence for fraud.
- prison officerA prison officer described how overcrowded the cells had become.
verb + preposition
- release from prisonHis family was waiting for him on the day of his release from prison.
- escape from prisonThree men tried to escape from prison but were caught within hours.
noun + preposition
- in prisonLife in prison is very different from what you see in films.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He was sent to the prison for two years.Correct: He was sent to prison for two years.