How to pronounce imprison
Say it like im-PRIZ-un. Imprison has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRIZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imprison. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PRIZ
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imprison pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PRIZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imprison
American and British speakers say imprison in essentially the same way: /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/ in the US and /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/ in the UK.
British respelling: im-PRIZ-un.
What does imprison mean?
- To put in or as if in prison; confine somebody against their will.
Where does imprison come from?
Inherited from Middle English imprisonen, emprisounen, emprisonen, from Old French emprisonner.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with imprison
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imprison.
Questions about saying imprison
How do you pronounce imprison?
Say im-PRIZ-un. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/. In British English it is /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imprison?
Imprison has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRIZ). Broken into parts: im · PRIZ · un.
Do Americans and Brits say imprison the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/ and the British form is /ˌɪmˈprɪzən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.