Dungeon: meaning, definitions and examples

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dungeon

[ˈdʌnʤən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fantasy game setting

A strong, dark underground prison, usually with tunnels and cells, often used for keeping prisoners or animals.

Synonyms

cellar, jail, prison.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dungeon	Refers to an underground prison or cell, typically found in castles and often associated with medieval times or fantasy stories. The knight was thrown into a dark dungeon beneath the castle In the game, the hero must escape the dungeon filled with monsters
prison	A secure facility where people are held as punishment for committing serious crimes, usually for longer periods than in a jail. She was sentenced to five years in prison for theft The prison is known for its strict security measures
jail	A place where people are held temporarily while they await trial or serve a short sentence. It's less severe than a prison. He spent the night in jail for a minor offense The police took him to jail after the arrest
cellar	A room below ground level in a house or building, often used for storing wine, food, or other items. It lacks the prison-like connotation of a dungeon. We store our old wine bottles in the cellar During the storm, the family took shelter in the cellar

Examples of usage

The hero had to navigate through the dungeon filled with traps and monsters.
The treasure was hidden deep in the dungeon, guarded by a fierce dragon.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical context

A dark, often underground, medieval prison or vault, typically used for political prisoners or torture.

Synonyms

dungeon cell, keep, oubliette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dungeon	A secure underground prison, often found in castles. It's a general term for a dark, confined place used to hold prisoners. The knight was thrown into the dungeon for his crimes The dungeon was damp and cold, making it an unbearable place to be
oubliette	A particularly gruesome type of dungeon designed to disappear prisoners, often a deep pit with a narrow opening only at the top, with a strong negative connotation. The traitor was thrown into the oubliette and forgotten The oubliette was a place of despair, sealed off from the light
dungeon cell	Refers to an individual room or compartment within a dungeon where prisoners are held. Highlights the confined and small space. Each prisoner was confined to a dungeon cell, cut off from the others The dungeon cell was barely large enough to lie down in
keep	Refers to the strongest and central tower of a castle used for defensive purposes. Although not mainly a prison, it can include dungeons. The soldiers retreated to the keep during the attack They hid the treasure in the keep's basement, where some old dungeon cells were located

Examples of usage

The captured rebel was thrown into the dungeon and left to rot.
The dungeon in the castle was notorious for its cruel treatment of prisoners.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'dungeon' comes from the Old French word 'donjon', which referred to a keep or stronghold of a castle.
Originally, dungeons were not always dark and scary; they were sometimes used as living quarters for nobility.
In medieval times, dungeons served as prisons, often with very harsh conditions to keep captives.

Pop Culture

Dungeons are a common setting in fantasy literature and games, such as Dungeons & Dragons, where players explore dangerous underground spaces.
Movies and video games often depict dungeons filled with monsters, treasure, and magic, creating a thrilling adventure atmosphere.
The concept of a dungeon has evolved in modern media, transforming it into not just a prison but a place full of challenges to overcome.

Architecture

Many medieval castles featured dungeons that were often colder and damp to store prisoners securely.
The design of a dungeon would usually include thick walls and limited exits to prevent escape, using stone to retain a sense of fortress-like security.
Some dungeons even had secret passages leading to escape routes or to other parts of the castle.

Literature

In classic literature, dungeons often serve as a backdrop for character development, such as in tales of heroism or treachery.
Famous stories like 'The Count of Monte Cristo' and 'The Man in the Iron Mask' feature dungeons as critical locations for plots.
The imagery of dungeons invokes themes of isolation, fear, and sometimes redemption, making them powerful literary devices.

Psychology

The idea of being trapped in a dungeon can symbolize feelings of confinement or being stuck in a situation in life.
Fear of dark places, like dungeons, can emanate from childhood fears, connecting with a sense of the unknown.
Exploring dungeons in video games is not only about adventure but can also provide a safe space to confront fears and overcome challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "dungeon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 masmorra

🇮🇳 कालकोठरी

🇩🇪 Verlies

🇮🇩 penjara bawah tanah

🇺🇦 підземелля

🇵🇱 lochy

🇯🇵 ダンジョン

🇫🇷 donjon

🇪🇸 mazmorra

🇹🇷 zindan

🇰🇷 던전

🇸🇦 زنزانة

🇨🇿 dungeon

🇸🇰 dungeon

🇨🇳 地牢

🇸🇮 ječa

🇮🇸 dýflissa

🇰🇿 зындан

🇬🇪 კამერა

🇦🇿 zindan

🇲🇽 mazmorra

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,457, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16454 facilitation
16455 meditate
16456 audacity
16457 dungeon
16458 muttering
16459 deponent
16460 saga
...