This is the 11807th most frequent Portuguese word.
preso
"Preso" means "arrested" or "imprisoned" in English.
Here, 'preso' is used as the past participle of the verb 'prender' (to arrest), indicating that the thief was apprehended or arrested.
O ladrão foi preso pela polícia.
The thief was arrested by the police.
In this context, 'preso' conveys a condition of being unable to move, as in being stuck or caught.
Ele está preso no trânsito.
He is stuck in traffic.
Here, 'preso' describes the bird's state of being confined or trapped within the cage.