- 1a person who is kept in prison as a punishment, or while they are waiting for trial The number of prisoners serving life sentences has fallen. They are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
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- 2a person who has been captured, for example by an enemy, and is being kept somewhere He was taken prisoner by rebel soldiers. They are holding her prisoner and demanding a large ransom. (figurative) She is afraid to go out and has become a virtual prisoner in her own home. (figurative) He was a prisoner of his own ignorance.
Check pronunciation: prisoner