The noun prize is an award or something won in battle.
- Mr. Davidson’s wife was surprised that he won first prize in the baking contest.
- By capturing the ship the pirates gained a rich prize of gold and silver coins.
The verb prize means “to treasure.”
- Patricia prized her collection of family letters for sentimental reasons.
The verb prize also means to pry open or out using force, and is spelled prise by the British.
- Once Sabina prized the lock open, she was astonished to find the old trunk empty.
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