prize Definition

prise
prize
verb prised, prising

1. To lever something open, off, out, etc, usually with some difficulty.

Example: prised open the lid
Example: prised the shell off the rock
2. To get with difficulty. See also pry².

Example: prised the truth out of her

Etymology: 17c: French, meaning ‘something captured', from Latin prehendere to seize.

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prize¹
noun

1. Something won in a competition, lottery, etc.

Thesaurus: purse, award, winnings, trophy, haul (slang), stakes, windfall.
2. A reward given in recognition of excellence.
3. Something striven for, or worth striving for.

Thesaurus: goal, desire, aim, hope.
4. Something captured or taken by force, especially a ship in war; a trophy.
5a. Deserving, or having won, a prize;

Example: a prize bull
5b. Highly valued;

Example: her prize possession
5c. ironic
Perfect; great;
Example: a prize fool
5d. Belonging or relating to, or given as, a prize.

Example: prize money

verb

prized, prizing
1. To value or regard highly.

Thesaurus: treasure, cherish, value, esteem, revere, reverence, appreciate, hold dear; Antonym: despise, undervalue.

Etymology: 14c: related to price and praise, ultimately from Latin prehendere to seize.

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prize² prise