1. Literally, to extract or remove something from something else with great force, especially with the use of a lever. I had to prize the rusty nails from the wood with the claw end of a hammer before we could begin repairing the damage to the fence. The sheriff prized the gun from the suspect's hands after wrestling him to the ground.

2. To obtain or extract something, especially information, from someone with great effort, difficulty, or persistence. I had to prize the answer from her when I asked where she had been. It was only after the judge threatened to charge him with contempt of court that his testimony was prized from him.