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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

confinement

kuhn-FYN-muhnt

Confinement (noun) means the state of being kept within a limited space, often against one's will. Example: “He spent months in solitary confinement.”

noun
1
The state of being kept within a limited space, often against one's will.
"He spent months in solitary confinement."
"The prisoners protested the harsh conditions of their confinement."

How to use confinement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing shut in or restricted to a limited space, especially as a punishment or restriction.

Common pairings
solitary confinement period of confinement

Word forms

confinements plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He spent months in solitary _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from French confinement, built from confine + -ment.

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for confinement

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Frequently asked questions

What does “confinement” mean?

The word “confinement” means the state of being kept within a limited space, often against one's will. In plain terms, being shut in or restricted to a limited space, especially as a punishment or restriction.

How do you pronounce “confinement”?

“Confinement” is pronounced kuhn-FYN-muhnt (/kənˈfaɪnmənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “confinement” in a sentence?

Here is “confinement” used in a sentence: “He spent months in solitary confinement.”

What part of speech is “confinement”?

“Confinement” is a noun.

Where does the word “confinement” come from?

The word “confinement” comes from French. Borrowed from French confinement, built from confine + -ment.

Is “confinement” a common word?

“Confinement” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

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