Prise/praɪz/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Physical Action Used when describing a physical act to separate items that are stuck or to open. You might need to prise the stubborn jar open with a cloth. Pro Tip 2/3Literal Use Often used in a very literal sense, involving manual or physical effort. He had to prise the window open because it was painted shut. Pro Tip 3/3Tool Requirement A tool is often needed to achieve the prising action. Use a knife to prise open the shell and retrieve the nut.