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Glite Dictionary
prisonbreak

prisonbreak

4.8
An escape from prison by one or more people
  • noun
translation icon : fuga de prisión
  • The detectives investigated the elaborate prisonbreak that occurred last night.

Examples

  • After the prisonbreak, police searched the surrounding area for the fugitives.

  • The movie is based on a daring prisonbreak that shocked the nation.

  • The prisonbreak was meticulously planned.

  • Several prisonbreaks have occurred this year.

  • The escape plan for the prisonbreak was revealed in a shocking report.

  • Hearing about the successful prisonbreak, many wondered how the inmates managed to escape.

  • Authorities are now investigating the details of the latest prisonbreak that took place at midnight.

Synonyms

break
vsprisonbreak
127 4.4

A sudden escape from a place or control

is the simple act of escaping prison rather than any sudden movement
breakout
vsprisonbreak
18 7.1

An escape from prison or jail that happens suddenly and often uses force

is the plain act of leaving prison without stress on suddenness
jailbreak
vsprisonbreak
5 7.3

A planned or forced escape from prison

is the broader act of leaving prison not limited to planning
prison-breaking
vsprisonbreak
9.1

An escape from prison done by force or secret planning

is the general act of leaving prison without highlighting method
gaolbreak
vsprisonbreak
  • Archaic
9.4

A planned escape from prison

is the general idea of fleeing confinement without stressing planning
jailbreaking
vsprisonbreak
8.0

An act of leaving prison illegally or helping others leave prison

focuses on the act itself rather than on aiding or legality

How Violent

breakout
18 7.1
prisonbreak
4.8
escape
320 1.1

Surface Forms

prisonbreak singular
prisonbreaks plural

Morphology

prisonbreak = prison + break (transparent) = prison + break

The meaning is a straightforward combination of 'prison' + 'break' meaning an escape from prison, which learners can readily infer.

Etymology

Prisonbreak is made of the words prison and break, literally meaning a 'breaking out' of jail. So a prisonbreak is an act of escaping from prison, like when people 'break out' or 'break free'.