prisonbreak

1 4.8

An escape from prison by one or more people

noun

: 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

78 4.4

A sudden escape from a place or control

is the simple act of escaping prison rather than any sudden movement

breakout

vsprisonbreak

16 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

prison-breaking

vsprisonbreak

13 9.1

An escape from prison done by force or secret planning

is the general act of leaving prison without highlighting method

jailbreak

vsprisonbreak

9 7.3

A planned or forced escape from prison

is the broader act of leaving prison not limited to planning

jailbreaking

vsprisonbreak

1 8.0

An act of leaving prison illegally or helping others leave prison

focuses on the act itself rather than on aiding or legality

gaolbreak

vsprisonbreak

Archaic

9.4

A planned escape from prison

is the general idea of fleeing confinement without stressing planning

How Violent

breakout

16 7.1

prisonbreak

1 4.8

escape

376 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'.