prison /ˈpɹɪzn̩/noun 3verb 1forms 4 noun3 •a building where people are kept against their will, usually as punishment for a crimeThe cold stone walls of the prison had stood for over a century. •(figurative) Any restrictive environment, such as a harsh academy or home.The academy was a prison for many of its students because of its strict teachers. •Confinement in prison.Prison was a harrowing experience for him. verb1 •To imprison. formsprisoned · yprisoned · prisoning · prisons