What does "confined" mean?

1. (restricted to a small space) describes a space that is very small or narrow, making you feel trapped. 2. (unable to leave a place) forced to stay in a place, often a bed or a wheelchair, because of illness or injury. 3. (to keep within limits) to keep someone or something inside a certain area or to limit an activity.

How do you use "confined"?

Often used in the passive voice with the preposition 'to'.

confined

adj. · v.

US //kənˈfaɪnd// UK //kənfˈaɪnd// con·fined

1 restricted to a small space (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describes a space that is very small or narrow, making you feel trapped.

describing a space that is limited in extent or narrow, often creating a sense of enclosure.

Example

It was difficult to work in such a confined space with three other people.

Example

The researchers had to operate in the confined quarters of the submarine for six months, which tested their psychological endurance.
- spacious
- open
2 unable to leave a place (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

forced to stay in a place, often a bed or a wheelchair, because of illness or injury.

restricted to a specific location or piece of furniture due to physical incapacity or medical necessity.

Example

After his surgery, he was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks.

Example

The patient remained confined to her bed while the doctors monitored the effects of the new medication on her heart rate.
- restricted
- limited

Show 1 more senseShow fewer

3 to keep within limits (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to keep someone or something inside a certain area or to limit an activity.

to keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits of space, scope, or quantity.

Example

The police confined the protesters to a small area outside the park.

Example

The discussion was strictly confined to the financial aspects of the merger, ignoring the potential cultural impact on the employees.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice with the preposition 'to'.
- release
- free