Disemprison

/ˌdɪsɪmˈprɪzən/ verb

Definition

To release someone from prison or confinement; to set free from imprisonment.

Etymology

From dis- (reversal) + imprison (from im- + prison, from Old French prisoun meaning captivity). This archaic word literally reverses the state of being imprisoned.

Kelly Says

This word appears frequently in 18th and 19th-century literature and legal documents when discussing prisoner releases or pardons, but it's fallen out of use—we now just say 'release' or 'free,' showing how specialized vocabulary becomes obsolete.

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