Awards given to winners of competitions or contests, typically objects of value or monetary rewards. Something captured or obtained, especially through effort or competition.
From Old French 'prise' meaning 'a taking' or 'seizure,' from Latin 'prehendere' meaning 'to grasp.' Originally referred to something captured in war, later extending to rewards for achievement.
The connection between 'prizes' and 'capture' reveals something profound about human psychology - we still think of awards as conquests, like ancient warriors claiming spoils. The Nobel Prize, perhaps the world's most prestigious award, was funded by the inventor of dynamite seeking to leave a peaceful legacy!
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