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prize

noun (1)

\ ˈprīz

Definition of prize

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : something offered or striven for in competition or in contests of chance also : premium sense 1d

2 : something exceptionally desirable

3 archaic : a contest for a reward : competition

prize

adjective

Definition of prize (Entry 2 of 5)

1a : awarded or worthy of a prize

b : awarded as a prize

c : entered for the sake of a prize a prize drawing

2 : outstanding of a kind raised prize hogs

prize

verb (1)

prized; prizing

Definition of prize (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to estimate the value of : rate

2 : to value highly : esteem a prized possession

prize

noun (2)

Definition of prize (Entry 4 of 5)

1 : something taken by force, stratagem, or threat especially : property lawfully captured at sea in time of war

2 : an act of capturing or taking especially : the wartime capture of a ship and its cargo at sea

prize

verb (2)

prized; prizing

Definition of prize (Entry 5 of 5)

transitive verb

: to press, force, or move with a lever : pry

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about prize

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Choose the Right Synonym for prize

Verb (1)

appreciate, value, prize, treasure, cherish mean to hold in high estimation. appreciate often connotes sufficient understanding to enjoy or admire a thing's excellence. appreciates fine wine value implies rating a thing highly for its intrinsic worth. values our friendship prize implies taking a deep pride in something one possesses. Americans prize their freedom treasure emphasizes jealously safeguarding something considered precious. a treasured memento cherish implies a special love and care for something. cherishes her children above all

Noun (2)

spoil, plunder, booty, prize, loot mean something taken from another by force or craft. spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest. the spoils of political victory plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling. a bootlegger's plunder booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates. thieves dividing up their booty prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy. the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe. picked through the ruins for loot

Examples of prize in a Sentence

Adjective

Dad brought back his prize catch, a three-foot striped bass. I felt a prize fool for making such a stupid mistake.

First Known Use of prize

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1739, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1574, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for prize

Noun (1)

Middle English pris prize, price — more at price

Verb (1)

Middle English prisen, from Anglo-French priser, preiser to appraise, esteem, from Late Latin pretiare, from Latin pretium price, value — more at price

Noun (2)

Middle English prise, from Anglo-French, taking, seizure, from prendre to take, from Latin prehendere — more at get

Verb (2)

prize lever

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