ex-prisoner
UK[ˌeksˈprɪz.ən.ər]US[ˌeksˈprɪz.ən.ɚ]
n
A person who was formerly a prisoner.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
prisoner
ex
former
prisoner
a person legally held in custody
Etymology
The word 'ex-prisoner' is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Latin prefix 'ex-' with the noun 'prisoner'. The prefix 'ex-', deriving from Latin ex meaning "out of, from," is commonly used in English to denote a former status, as seen in terms like 'ex-president' or 'ex-wife'. The base word 'prisoner' entered English via Anglo-Norman and Old French, tracing back to the Latin prehensio, which relates to the act of seizing or capturing. Therefore, the literal morphemic construction "former + prisoner" transparently conveys the modern meaning of a person who has been released from incarceration.
Analysis
Structure: ex (former) + prisoner (a person legally held in custody)
- ex: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "out of, from, former." In this word, it functions as a derivational prefix indicating a former state or status.
- prisoner: A noun of Old French origin (from prisoun), ultimately from Latin prehensio "a seizing." It functions as the base noun denoting a person who is confined.
Examples
The charity provides support services for ex-prisoners reintegrating into society.
As an ex-prisoner, he faced significant challenges finding stable employment.
The program aims to reduce recidivism by offering skills training to ex-prisoners.