# confined

/kənˈfaɪnd/ (US) · /kənfˈaɪnd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confined
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. restricted to a small space

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- It was difficult to work in such a confined space with three other people.
- The researchers had to operate in the confined quarters of the submarine for six months, which tested their psychological endurance.

### 2. unable to leave a place

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- After his surgery, he was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks.
- The patient remained confined to her bed while the doctors monitored the effects of the new medication on her heart rate.

### 3. to keep within limits

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- The heavy rain confined the children to the house all day.
- The authorities managed to ensure the virus was confined to a single neighborhood through strict quarantine measures.
- The speaker's remarks were strictly confined to the economic implications of the policy, avoiding any mention of the controversial social consequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.