prise or prize(praɪz
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to force open by levering
- to extract or obtain with difficulty ⇒
they had to prise the news out of him
noun
- rare or dialect a tool involving leverage in its use or the leverage so employed
US and Canadian equivalent
Word Origin
C17: from Old French prise a taking, from prendre to take, from Latin prehendere; see prizeC17: from Old French a taking, from to take, from Latin see 1Usage examples
She could prise loose the information she sought - from him, or from his organizer.
, The Touch of Innocents (1994)The new round of negotiations may prise open 2 of the most protected agricultural markets in the world: the European and Japanese markets.
Business Today (1999)The Lennon Government should prise the lid off its bulging war chest and end the unnecessary suffering of waiting lists now.
The Mercury, Sunday Tasmanian (2005)Everton have also run into difficulties trying to prise Brian McBride away from the USA.
Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2002)After some time and the expenditure of much sweat, if few words, they contrived to prise Mr Bartholomew free.
, The Bullet Catchers (1989)