oubliette
noun
ou·bli·ette ˌü-blē-ˈet 
: a dungeon with an opening only at the top
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Let the novel open like an oubliette under your feet. 
Parul Sehgal, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2019
Parul Sehgal, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2019 Word History
Etymology
French, from Middle French, from oublier to forget, from Old French oblier, from Vulgar Latin *oblitare, frequentative of Latin oblivisci to forget — more at oblivion
First Known Use
1777, in the meaning defined above
oubliette
noun
as in dungeon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- dungeon
- prison
- bastille
- bridewell
- penitentiary
- jailhouse
- calaboose
- brig
- hoosegow
- jail
- guardroom
- stockade
- slammer
- tolbooth
- lockup
- cage
- pokey
- pen
- keep
- clink
- cooler
- cell
- coop
- quod
- jug
- hock
- nick
- big house
- tank
- guardhouse
- gulag
- ward
- stir
- stalag
- bull pen
- slam
- can
- hole
- joint
- glasshouse
- hold
- reformatory
- block
- concentration camp
- hulk(s)
- prison camp
- labor camp
- work camp
- reform school
- training school
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- outside