prise

[ prahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, prised, pris·ing,

1. prize ³.

prise

/ praɪz /

verb

1. to force open by levering
2. to extract or obtain with difficulty

   they had to prise the news out of him

noun

1. rare.
   a tool involving leverage in its use or the leverage so employed

Word History and Origins

Origin of prise¹

C17: from Old French prise a taking, from prendre to take, from Latin prehendere; see prize ¹

Example Sentences

Alfred's father and another man in the group managed to prise his head from its jaws.

From BBC

Plenty of pundits believe the north London side will be experienced enough now to prise the trophy away from City and hold off other challengers.

From BBC

He is also extremely settled in the North East with his family; it might be hard to prise him away, even if compensation could be agreed.

From BBC

The country is now trying to come to terms with the shock of what has just happened, now that power has been prised from the hands of the country's long-time ruler.

From BBC

He has sought to prise their fingers from the party machine and gain control, you might say, “piece by piece”.

From BBC

Related Words

• crowbar
• leverage