Dungeon

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdʌn.dʒən/

Definitions

• A dark, underground prison, often found in castles.
• (Fantasy) A maze-like structure with traps, monsters, and treasure.

Usage Examples

• "The prisoner was thrown into the castle dungeon for treason."
• "The adventurers explored the dungeon in search of hidden treasure."
• "Medieval dungeons were often damp and poorly lit."

Etymology

From Old French donjon (a keep or stronghold), later evolving to mean an underground prison.

Synonyms

• Prison
• Cell
• Stronghold
• Vault

Antonyms

• Palace
• Sanctuary
• Freedom

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈdʌn.dʒən/
• British English: /ˈdʌn.dʒɪn/

Historical Usage

In medieval times, dungeons were used to imprison enemies and political prisoners, often in harsh conditions.

Cultural Nuances

In modern fantasy literature and role-playing games, dungeons are associated with underground labyrinths filled with traps and mythical creatures.

More Information

The concept of dungeons has persisted in literature, movies, and games, evolving from real-life medieval prisons to fantastical settings in storytelling. Today, the term is widely recognized due to its use in fantasy role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons.