prison

1. prison (noun) — sense 1

Definition: A place or institution where people are held against their will, in the US especially for long-term confinement, as of those convicted of serious crimes or otherwise considered undesirable by the government.

Example: The cold stone walls of the prison had stood for over a century.

2. prison (noun) — sense 2

Definition: Confinement in prison (sense 1).

Example: Prison was a harrowing experience for him.

3. prison (noun) — sense 3

Definition: Any restrictive environment, such as a harsh academy or home.

Example: The academy was a prison for many of its students because of its strict teachers.

4. prison (verb) — sense 4

Definition: To imprison.